Archaeology for Whose Interpretation?: Finding Space for Alternative Archaeology in Indonesia

Irmawati Marwoto-Johan

doi:10.5130/phrj.v19i0.3094

Abstract

To date, archeological research has been widely conducted in Indonesia. The results of this research, however, are not widely known by the public because they are merely meant for archeologists. This leads the public in some instances to interpret archeological remains in their own neighborhoods. This public need of archeology could be promoted through archeological research being delivered to the public though exhibitions, museums or archeological sites. This article presents a discussion of Indonesian archeologists’ problems of authority, the growth of Alternative Archeology as a ‘challenge’ to mainstream archeology and the implications Alternative Archeology has for the broader community.

Highlights

To date, archeological research has been widely conducted in Indonesia
Some historians claim that they live in the main parts of the house and that they are even the owners of the house.[1]. This can be applied to archeology where academic archeologists consider the heritage arena as belonging to them where their interpretations dominate
It is generally believed that archeologists have the greatest authority to determine what constitutes heritage. Some believe that it is only archeologists who have the only authority to interpret archeological heritage. Is it wise to wait for an archeologist to interpret when a temple is found to get the best interpretation? After the Borobudur Temple was found, for example, its heritage value was just decided by archeologists

Summary

Introduction

Archeological research has been widely conducted in Indonesia. The results of this research, are not widely known by the public because they are merely meant for archeologists. Some believe that it is only archeologists who have the only authority to interpret archeological heritage. Museums previously believed to be object centers are at present becoming people-oriented institutions and play an important role in educating the public, instead of just accommodating archeologists’ interests.[2] Archeologists, have been urged to shift their old paradigm to be more publicly orientated due to their social responsibilities that the knowledge they have produced must be disseminated if only inasmuch as all archeological research is paid by the community.[3]

Results

Conclusion