From the classroom to the field: developing cross-cultural skills in conservation

Abstract

This article describes the chronological experience of an Indonesian conservator, a graduate of the University of Melbourne’s Master of Cultural Materials Conservation. It reviews the lessons learnt and the relevancy of classroom education in preparing him as a leader on two community engagement projects, as a supervisor on a disaster recovery project and as a cultural heritage conservator in the Bali Cultural Heritage Preservation Office. Given this experience the article focusses on the required ethics for Indonesian conservators working in the field, in particular when dealing with the conservation of living heritage and its community, as well as the cross-cultural work experience needed for the work. Moreover, it highlights an interesting case of a traditional (green) conservation practice that has been extensively promoted by the major conservation institution in Indonesia, Balai Konservasi Borobudur (Borobudur Conservation Office).