Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through its Department of Archaeology and the Tourism Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), returned cultural heritage items to the Warloka community in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (14/7). This significant event involved the handover of approximately 40 kilograms of artifacts that had been excavated 15 years ago and stored at UGM for research purposes. The artifacts are categorized into 15 types, including jewelry, tools, ceramics, pottery, coins, and the remains of three ancestral individuals.

This initiative is part of a repatriation process that emphasizes the ethical responsibility within the academic world. Beyond the physical return of items, this repatriation reflects a critical reflection on the role of researchers and the necessity of sharing research benefits equitably. The act of returning these artifacts is a significant step towards acknowledging cultural diversity and the rights of local communities.

Dr. Tular Sudarmadi, the head of the repatriation team, highlighted that cultural heritage should not be managed through exploitative approaches rooted in colonial practices. He emphasized the need for academics to build equitable relationships with the communities that are part of their research subjects. Dr. Sudarmadi expressed a moral imperative to return these artifacts to the Warloka community, reinforcing the importance of civil society partnerships in preserving cultural heritage.

In addition, Dr. Rucitarahma Ristiawan from FIB noted that the return of these artifacts is a crucial part of the struggle for epistemic justice. He stated that this action is not merely symbolic but reflects a transformation in academic practices towards a more ethical direction. He stressed the importance of recognizing the value of local knowledge systems and providing space for communities to narrate their own histories.

The repatriation process also involved UGM’s postgraduate archaeology student, Oto Alcianto, and received support from art crime and criminology researcher Dr. Emiline Smith from the University of Glasgow. Dr. Smith views this repatriation as a symbol of a significant shift that encourages academics to be more aware of their ethical responsibilities. She also emphasized the need for government support in helping institutions manage the respectful storage and return of cultural heritage.

The remains of the ancestors are planned to be reburied according to the customs and beliefs of the Warloka community. Meanwhile, other cultural artifacts will be temporarily stored at the local Tourism Office until a dedicated exhibition space in Warloka is completed. The local government and community plan to use this momentum to enhance tourist education regarding local history and the importance of collaborative research in preserving cultural heritage.

The Warloka community has expressed its commitment to safeguarding and protecting the archaeological findings in the area. This event not only marks a significant milestone in the repatriation of cultural heritage but also serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural diversity and community engagement in the preservation of history.

As UGM continues to develop institutional guidelines for the management of archaeological excavation artifacts, this initiative stands as a pioneering effort in Indonesia. It highlights the need for ethical practices in academia and the importance of civil society partnerships in fostering a more inclusive approach to cultural heritage management.

Source: ugm.ac.id
Photos: Dok. Research Team

Yogyakarta, 30 June 2025 – A total of 13 students from three higher education institutions are participating in an international collaborative program in the field of archaeology, organized by the Australian National University (ANU) and Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in cooperation with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). This program is part of efforts to strengthen cross-national academic collaboration while providing a platform for knowledge exchange and research experience in the fields of culture and archaeology.

The program involves 4 students from ANU, 5 students from Universitas Gadjah Mada, and 4 students from Udayana University. The activities are held in two main locations: the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara.

This program is funded by the Australian National University and results from a collaboration between the School of Culture, History and Language, College of Asia & the Pacific at ANU and the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada. The activities are coordinated by two archaeology experts: Dr. Shimona Kealy from ANU and Dr. Mahirta, M.A. from UGM, both of whom have extensive experience in archaeological research in Southeast Asia.

Throughout the program, students will engage in a variety of activities, including academic discussions, fieldwork, and cross-cultural studies. In Yogyakarta, participants will attend workshops and introductory sessions on archaeological methods and theories. Meanwhile, in Lombok, they will conduct direct field exploration and research at designated archaeological sites, honing their skills in observation, data recording, and artifact analysis.

The program is not only aimed at deepening participants’ understanding of Indonesia’s cultural heritage but also at strengthening academic networks between higher education institutions in Indonesia and Australia. With participants coming from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, this program serves as an ideal space for cross-cultural understanding, constructive academic dialogue, and collaborative learning experiences.

Furthermore, this program aligns with several goals in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities, through cultural heritage preservation), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through this program, the preservation and understanding of cultural heritage are pursued collectively across nations for a sustainable future.

With the enthusiasm of the participants and the support from the involved institutions, this program is expected to be a concrete step toward building sustainable international cooperation in the fields of archaeology and cultural studies.

[Public Relations, FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 6 May 2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), officially inaugurated Prof. Dra. Anggraeni, M.A., Ph.D. as a Professor in the field of Prehistoric Archaeology. The inauguration ceremony took place on Tuesday (6/5) from 09.00 to 10.00 WIB at the UGM Senate Hall, attended by family members, academic colleagues, and invited guests from various institutions.

In her inaugural speech titled “Adaptive Strategies in Prehistoric Societies and Their Relevance Today”, Prof. Anggraeni delivered an in-depth reflection on how prehistoric communities—particularly hunter-gatherers and early village societies—developed adaptive strategies to survive in response to various environmental and social challenges.

She emphasised that these strategies were not only shaped by regional trends that occurred thousands of years ago but were also passed down and remain recognisable in contemporary Indonesian life. “Today, we admire the beautiful, colourful woven fabrics, yet few may realise that the art of weaving in Indonesia has roots dating back at least two millennia,” she noted.

Prof. Anggraeni highlighted that weaving patterns and colours are not chosen arbitrarily; rather, they are shaped by collective social agreements that reflect local values and social structures. She cited the Sekomandi weaving tradition from Kalumpang as an example, where the motifs symbolise the human life cycle—from birth to death.

Through her inauguration, Prof. Anggraeni reaffirmed the importance of prehistoric archaeological studies in understanding cultural roots and local wisdom that remain relevant in addressing modern-day challenges. She encouraged the public to appreciate and study cultural heritage as part of a collective strategy toward a more adaptive and sustainable future.

This inauguration marks a significant milestone in Prof. Anggraeni’s academic journey, known for her extensive contributions to prehistoric research and the preservation of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]

I Putu Adhimas Radiansyah Aryawan, a student of the Archaeology Study Program from Jakarta, is one of the inspiring young figures who excel at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Besides being active in the academic world, Radian also utilizes his time to work part-time at the Cooperation and Public Relations Unit of the Faculty.

Radian has qualified organizational experience, starting from his school days. He was the Chairperson of the Student Council in junior high school and Vice Chairperson of the Student Council in high school, as well as carrying out duties in the field of Public Relations at both levels. This experience honed his interpersonal and professional skills, especially in establishing relationships with various parties.

His interest in competitive debating has led Radian to become the President of the English Club of SMA Negeri 27 Jakarta, as well as representing his school in the National School Debating Championship (NSDC) at the City level. As a student, he joined Gadjah Mada Debating Society UGM, competing in various debate events, including being a semifinalist in Philo Day Debate.

In addition, Radian is also active in UGM Buddy Club, a community that assists international students at UGM. Through this activity, he gained cross-cultural experience and expanded his international network.

Interestingly, Radian’s interests are not limited to archaeology. He also ventured into the business world by participating in competitions such as the National Business Model Canvas (NVMC) Entrepreneurship Festival at Syiah Kuala University, where his team made it into the Top 10. He also joined 180 Degrees Consulting UGM to support non-profit foundations (NGOs) in finding impactful business solutions.

In 2024, Radian won 2nd place in the EGSA Essay Competition with the theme “Pentahelix Synergy in Realizing Indonesia’s Net Zero Emission 2060 Commitment.” This victory is a tangible manifestation of his contribution to the issue of sustainability (SDGs) which is also the focus of his interest.

With a diverse background, Radian shows that archaeology students can also excel in various fields. He aspires to build collective awareness on the importance of innovation and a sustainable environment, while continuing to develop his skills in Public Relations, which has been his main passion since childhood.

Radian is proof that with hard work, broad exploration of interests, and dedication, a student can make a real impact in multiple fields at once.

On Thursday, December 19, 2024, Mandala Majapahit, managed by the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), received a visit from the Faculty of Engineering, Parahyangan Catholic University. This visit was part of the Architectural Heritage and Restoration Study activities involving a supervisor and ten students.

The lecturer was Dr. Rahadhian Prajudi Herwindo, IAI, who together with the students aimed to deepen their understanding of cultural heritage architecture and restoration techniques applied at Mandala Majapahit.

The activity began in the afternoon with an introductory session hosted by Dra. D.S. Nugrahani, M.A., an expert from the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts UGM. In the session, participants gained in-depth insight into the history and value of Mandala Majapahit architecture, including the preservation efforts made to maintain its authenticity and sustainability.

This activity not only provides educational benefits for participants, but also strengthens collaboration between Parahyangan Catholic University and UGM, especially in the field of architectural studies and cultural heritage preservation.