Museum Layang-layang Indonesia is a kite museum in Pondok Labu, South Jakarta, with more than 600 traditional and modern kites from Indonesia and other countries, including Japan and Vietnam. A short introductory film and a guided walk explain the collection, which includes large sculptural designs as well as kites made from bamboo and banana-tree leaves. The visit ends with a hands-on activity: make a kite, then decorate it with provided crayons. The museum’s traditional wooden houses and shaded courtyard give the stop a quieter setting than central Jakarta.
A museum built around a personal collection
Museum Layang-layang Indonesia opened in 2003. Its founder, Endang W. Puspoyo, established it to preserve kite culture, drawing on a personal collection she had been building since the 1980s. Kites can carry cultural meaning as well as serve as toys, and the displays bring together designs from different regions of Indonesia and other countries.
The collection is housed in traditional wooden buildings with a courtyard. Several kites are large enough to change the scale of the rooms around them. Look up near the entrance for a flying horse design, and watch for sculptural forms such as a dragon, ship or lion fish. One displayed kite is 26 metres long.
The film and guided tour
The visit begins with a short film about kite flying in Indonesia and the different styles represented in the collection. It runs for roughly 7 to 10 minutes. A guide then leads visitors through the exhibits and explains the kites on display. The tour gives the objects context before you move on to the hands-on activity.
Among the collection are traditional and modern kites from Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam and elsewhere. Some are made from bamboo and banana-tree leaves. The variety of shapes and materials makes the displays useful for families who want children to see how kite designs differ, as well as for anyone interested in the craft.
Make and decorate a kite
After the tour, visitors can make a kite of their own. Materials for the activity are provided, and the guide can help assemble it so it is ready to fly. Crayons are available for decorating the finished kite. The workshop is included in the ticket price, though the price itself is not stated consistently in the available information.
This activity gives children a chance to take part rather than only walk through the exhibits. Adults can join in too. The collection is relatively quick to see, so the kite-making session and time in the courtyard are good reasons not to rush the visit.
Planning a visit to Pondok Labu
The museum is at Jl. H. Kamang No. 38 in Pondok Labu, South Jakarta. It is away from central Jakarta, so allow for the journey when planning a day around the city. The grounds offer a calmer setting, with wooden houses and mature beringin trees around the courtyard.
The museum can be dusty and its upkeep has been noted as uneven. Advance tickets are recommended, and weekdays are a practical choice if you prefer a quieter visit. The site has a free parking lot and wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking and restroom facilities.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is Museum Layang-layang Indonesia?
It is at Jl. H. Kamang No. 38 in Pondok Labu, South Jakarta.
How long does a visit take?
Allow about one to two hours for the introductory film, guided tour and kite-making activity.
Can you make a kite at the museum?
Yes. The visit includes a kite-making and decorating activity, with materials provided and help assembling the kite.
Are tickets recommended in advance?
Yes, advance tickets are recommended.
