Have you ever imagined taking a walk in a place where ancient humans once lived and developed? Sangiran, an area covering 25 villages, located in 2 districts, Sragen and Karangan, in Central Java, Indonesia, is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world that provides a window into our past.
The discovery of fossil sites in Sangiran elevated it as a world heritage site, but ironically, the local communities living around it have not fully benefited. In the past, these fossils were considered ‘gold’ that could be sold at high prices, fuelling rampant illegal trade. Although preservation efforts have been made, such as the issuance of the Cultural Heritage Law and craft training, the community still yearns for more significant changes. Sangiran’s great potential as a world heritage site has yet to be fully realised in the welfare of its people.
Who would have thought that in Manyarejo village, Sangiran, a unique cultural preservation movement is taking place? The PATI V (Indonesian Integrated Archaeological Research) 2023 activity organised by the Arsari Djojohadikusumo Foundation has brought together students, archaeologists, the government, the Balung Buto empu group and the Brayat Krajan community. With the spirit of gotong royong, they collaborated to get the community involved in cultural resource management in the Mayarejo Site area. The masters, with their hereditary knowledge, and the Brayat Krajan community, with its youthful spirit, have spearheaded the preservation of this archaeological site. This inspiring collaboration caught the attention of Mrs. Anie H. Djojohadikusumo, Chairperson of the Wadah Foundation, who saw great potential in developing Sangiran into a sustainable cultural preservation centre and initiated a collaboration between the Directorate General of Culture of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, Manyarejo Village Government, Arsari Djojohadikusumo Foundation and Titian Harapan Wadah Foundation to preserve cultural heritage while empowering the community.
The Sangiran Integrated Cultural Programme (PKTS) aims to preserve culture and improve community welfare through six main programmes, namely:
1. Human Resource and Organisational Management Training
2. Village Environment Preservation Assistance
3. Sustainable Heritage Economy Training and Assistance
4. Manyarejo Branding Strategy Assistance
5. Revitalisation of Cultural and Natural Resources at Sangiran Integrated Cultural Centre (PKTS)
6. Utilisation and Development of Cultural Resources Through Education and Culture-Based Activities
Source: PKTS programme book
The Sangiran Integrated Cultural Programme (PKTS) is an innovative initiative that aims to preserve Sangiran’s cultural heritage sustainably. Through strong collaboration between the government, academics, the private sector, and the community, this programme not only focuses on preserving archaeological sites, but also on community empowerment. With various training and mentoring, the community is equipped with the necessary skills to manage local potential and create creative culture-based products.
Officially launched on 13 August 2024, this programme invites the Manyarejo Village community to be part of the efforts to preserve Sangiran’s cultural heritage for the next five years. By actively involving the community, Sangiran’s cultural heritage will not only be preserved, but also grow the community’s economy based on local potential so that the community is prosperous.
Author: Robby Reppa
Editor: Paula Stela Nova Landowero
