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| The interior of this house in Indonesia exudes a strong Vietnamese spirit. |
Lumban Sianipar's house makes a particularly strong impression on anyone who visits. Not because of its unusual architecture, but because the spacious interior, spanning over 500 square meters, is decorated like a "miniature Vietnam museum," housing hundreds of mementos related to his time living and working in Hanoi .
Right from his front yard, a large, four-panel lacquer painting vividly depicting a Vietnamese rural market scene immediately caught the attention of visitors. The artwork impressed with its exquisite detail and rich, folk-inspired colors. Mr. Sianipar said this is a particularly cherished memento. Despite high offers, he resolutely refused to sell it, as it represents an irreplaceable part of his memories.
Inside the house, the space unfolds like a journey of discovery through Vietnamese culture. The walls are covered with mother-of-pearl inlay paintings, eggshell paintings, lacquer paintings, oil paintings, and more.
Many of the artworks are large in size, bearing the strong imprint of traditional Vietnamese art. Interspersed are exquisite mother-of-pearl inlaid wooden cabinets, ceramic vases from Bat Trang pottery village, and many other handcrafted products arranged harmoniously, creating a space that is both elegant and cozy, imbued with Vietnamese character in the heart of Indonesia.
These artifacts are linked to Mr. Sianipar's time working in Vietnam as the Indonesian Defense Attaché. His family lived on Ngo Quyen Street from 1994 to 1997, a period when Hanoi was undergoing significant transformation after the Doi Moi (Renovation) period.
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| Mr. Lumban Sianipar's family still cherishes many memories of Vietnam. (Source: VNA) |
For him, it was a peaceful and memorable time. His wife and three children still cherish many memories of Hanoi's streets, art shops, and even the food that they can never forget.
Meeting him again in late April, his memories of Hanoi were still vivid in his stories. He remembered the vibrant atmosphere of flags and flowers, and especially the celebration of the Liberation Day of the South and the reunification of the country on April 30th, with its solemn parades and marches, and crowds overflowing with pride.
Beyond the scenery, what he cherishes most is the Vietnamese people. According to him, the friendliness and sincerity of the people have made his family always feel at home. It is this feeling that has made the souvenirs he brought back not just objects, but also memories and a deep connection.
After completing his term and returning to Indonesia, his family brought with them not only handicrafts but also a part of their memories of Vietnam. Over time, these mementos have been preserved and arranged into a unique cultural space where anyone who visits can feel the "spirit of Vietnam."
Despite having retired with the rank of Lieutenant General, Mr. Sianipar still teaches at Lemhanas. He dedicates a portion of his home's garden to hosting gatherings with friends, introducing and spreading his love for Vietnam.
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| A mother-of-pearl mosaic painting in the home of Mr. Lumban Sianipar. (Source: VNA) |
"There are always people who want to buy back an item, but I don't want to part with anything," he shared. For him, each memento is a precious piece of memory.
Therefore, the space in Mr. Lumban Sianipar's house is not only a place to preserve artifacts, but also a vivid testament to the cultural and emotional connection between Vietnam and Indonesia – a quiet but enduring bridge linking people to people, memory to the present.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/ngoi-nha-dam-hon-viet-o-indonesia-388113.html
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