New Taipei mayoral candidates clash over indigenous museum site; Mayor Hou expresses helplessness

The proposed site for the National Museum of Indigenous Peoples has become a point of contention between New Taipei City mayoral candidates Lee Chuan-hsiang of the KMT and Su Chiao-hui of the DPP. Lee criticized Su, a DPP legislator, for allegedly failing to adequately advocate for the museum's original planned location in the Sanxia-Qingpu district of New Taipei City. Lee pointed out that the museum's site was moved to Kaohsiung in 2017 after the DPP government took power, while DPP councilors countered that the KMT had previously opposed the plan.

New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih expressed his frustration with the policy changes, stating that the city government also felt helpless about the shifts. He noted that if the museum had remained in Sanxia-Qingpu, it could have integrated with the local cultural landscape, including the under-construction Sanying Line MRT, art museums, and historical areas like Yingge Old Street and Sanxia Old Street.

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This is a very regrettable matter, and we also feel helpless.

Despite the relocation of the national museum, Hou affirmed that New Taipei City remains dedicated to promoting indigenous culture. The city government has established the "Indigenous Power Square" within the Hakka Cultural Park, providing a venue for indigenous cultural events and traditional ceremonies. This initiative demonstrates the city's ongoing commitment to supporting and showcasing indigenous heritage, even as national policy decisions have shifted.

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Because of policy changes, the Indigenous Peoples Museum was moved to Kaohsiung.