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]

Yogyakarta, 18/2/2025 – In a remarkable initiative to promote education and awareness about archaeology, the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) will hold the 7th Archaeology Festival on 18 to 20 February 2025. The annual event aims to engage the public and students in Indonesia’s rich history and cultural heritage.

The festival will take place at the Margono Djojohadikusumo Building, with exhibitions spread across the first and second floors. On the first floor, visitors will be presented with an exhibition showcasing prehistoric times in Indonesia, including various artefacts and relics from ancient times. The exhibition aims to educate visitors about the importance of Indonesia’s prehistoric past and its impact on the present.

Moving on to the second floor, the focus will shift to maritime archaeology, a field that has grown in importance in recent years. Here, visitors will learn about underwater archaeology, which involves the study of submerged sites and artefacts that have crossed oceans. Researchers in this field must have A1 to A3 certification, highlighting the specialised skills required to conduct underwater excavations safely and effectively.

In addition to the exhibitions, the festival will also feature various interactive activities designed to engage participants of all ages. One of the highlights will be pottery painting, where visitors can express their creativity and learn about traditional pottery-making techniques. This hands-on experience not only encourages artistic expression but also deepens understanding of the ancient craft. Another exciting activity is tying jewellery, a traditional craft that has been practised for centuries. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own jewellery while learning about the cultural significance of beads in various Indonesian communities. This activity emphasises the importance of preserving traditional crafts and passing them on to future generations. The festival will also include food and beverage tenants. This aspect of the event aims to create a festive atmosphere, encouraging visitors to relax and enjoy the festivities while learning about Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.

Archaeological Festival #7 is not just an exhibition; it is a celebration of education, culture and community engagement. By bringing together students, researchers, and the general public, the event aims to foster a greater appreciation of archaeology and its role in understanding our past.

As part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the festival aligns with the goal of ensuring inclusive and quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. By educating the public about archaeology, the festival contributes to a more informed society that values its cultural heritage.

In conclusion, Festival Archeologi #7 at FIB UGM promises to be an enriching experience for all visitors. With a wide array of activities and exhibitions on offer, the festival serves as a platform for education and cultural exchange, inspiring future generations to explore the fascinating world of archaeology.

[Public Relations Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Bulan Churniati]

On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, Archaeology students of Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM participated in an online workshop titled, “Borobudur World Heritage Site in Cultural Landscape Portrait” held by UNESCO Jakarta. This online workshop invited students from Universitas Gadjah Mada, Tidar University, and Atma Jaya University. This activity aims to enable students to learn more about the impact and influence of Borobudur Temple on the cultural landscape in the area around Borobudur Temple, both tangible and intangible in the scope of culture.

The digital workshop began with a speech by Ms. Moe Chiba, Head of the Culture Unit, UNESCO Jakarta. Followed by presentation sessions by Heri Setiawan from the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education Indonesia, Cultural Heritage Museum, Panji Kusumah from the Eksotika Desa community, hosted by Hairus Salim, Anthropologist from Universitas Gadjah Mada. An introduction to the impact and influence of Borobudur Temple on the cultural landscape was reflected on the history and efforts made. The preservation of Borobudur Temple as a cultural heritage, whether for local, national, or international communities through the designation of world heritage by UNESCO No. 592 in 1991.

The uniqueness of Borobudur Temple in its designation as a world heritage site by UNESCO is in the criteria that have been achieved. Generally, a cultural heritage site is designated as world heritage by fulfilling one of the ten cultural criteria, but Borobudur Temple fulfills three criteria (criteria 1, criteria 2, and criteria 6). The criteria achieved build Borobudur world heritage in a historical narrative that represents the brilliance of the creativity of the Borobudur community in its history of building the temple along with the cultural traditions of local values that are still inherent. This uniqueness is also supported by the existence of rural areas around the temple area which also provides unique characteristics of Borobudur Temple.

SDGs 4: Quality Education

After receiving A Accreditation, the Archeology Study Program (Undergraduate Program) Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM received Excellent Accreditation status from BAN-PT. This Accreditation will be valid until 2027.

This good news was received by the Archeology Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada from BAN-PT which issued on the certificate number 5112/SK/BAN-PT/Ak.KP/S/XII/2023. This achievement marks the study program’s strong commitment to improve the quality of education and maintain high academic standards.

The accreditation process is an effort to assess the quality and excellence of a study program. Archeology Study Program has passed a series of rigorous evaluations by the National Accreditation Board for Higher Education (BAN-PT). Through this process, the study program succeeded in obtaining an “excellent” rating, confirming its position as one of the best Archeology Undergraduate Study Programs in Indonesia. It is hoped that this new accreditation achievement will open the door for the Archeology Study Program to be more active in international research and collaboration in the fields of education, research, and community service. By gaining wider support and recognition, this study program can become a center for archaeological research that has a positive impact on the development of science in the field and the preservation of cultural heritage.

This is the commitment of the Archeology Study Program to provide a relevant and quality curriculum, as well as facilities that support student development. Adequate archaeological laboratory facilities, reference rooms, research facilities and other adequate facilities are also determining factors for the superiority of this study program. In this way, students can develop their skills and knowledge well, both in archaeological theory and practice.

This success cannot be separated from the support of all parties, including alumni and stakeholders who always work side by side with the study program. Thank you for all the students’ participation in implementing the Tridharma. (Ln & Mht).

SDGs 4: Quality Education

Banda Neira has become a trending destination, drawing the attention from both local and international visitors. For Sherina, an Archaeology student at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM, wo conducted her Community Service Program (KKN) on the island, Banda Neira is not just a tourist spot but a personal heaven. Belgica Fort, one of its popular icons, holds a special place in her heart. Sherina is fascinated by the fact that every arranged stone on the island holds a story and a mystery from the past waiting to be unraveled. Sherina said, “Many people do not know much about this fort, or they only know it from the backside of the one thousand rupiah banknote, without detailed explanations. What was the fort used for in the past? What were the functions of each room? What is the significance of its five sides? Was it for surveillance or other purposes?”

As an archaeology enthusiast, Sherina discovered various tangible and intangible remains in Banda Neira, particularly within the fort. She also engaged in discussions with the rector of Banda Neira University who shared their interest in historical remains. Interestingly, the historical remains spread across Banda Neira span various eras, as she mentioned, “Banda Neira is full of colonial remains, and as a person who is interested in colonial heritage, Banda Neira is like a heaven. However, the remains there are not limited to the colonial era as I visited a museum called ‘Rumah Budaya,’ where I found artefacts from the prehistoric era, such as thorns and fish bones.”

Sherina’s journey was beyond textbooks and classroom, delving into the secrets of history and the intricacies of Banda Neira. In the end, Sherina’s adventure in Banda Neira reflected the profound impact of hands-on experiences in fostering a deeper appreciation for history and cultural heritage. Through this writing, she invited fellow students to explore untouched territories and preserve the history embedded in our cultural heritage.

Photo 1: Banda Neira