quick description of post WW-2 history, and Palembang's place in Indonesia's brutal 4-year struggle for Independence from the Dutch, who were intent on regaining their lost colony. according to the museum guide, Palembang suffered the worst damage and the highest number of casualties in the war for independence during these famous 5 days (1-6 Jan, 47). I don't mean any disrespect to Indonesians, but i'm growing suspect of their sense of history, and their tendency to exaggerate details here & there,,, or just not know many things. There are a lot of other cities who fought hard & lost greatly in the same struggle. I've visited some of them. I'm not sure if Surabaya, in particular, would agree with this guide's assessment of history- just putting my doubts out there. i haven't read that chapter yet.
a model Songket maker, showing how it's done.