Memorialization at Conflict Heritage Sites in Aceh based on Major Events

Abstract

Aceh’s conflict heritage is a category of dark heritage that has been taking shape since the start of the political conflict between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement in 1976 and the post-tsunami peace agreement in 2005. These events have left a contested tangible and intangible legacy. There is the need to learn from past events with the aim of truth-telling, restoration of victims’ rights, maintaining and nurturing peace. This research aims to identify conflict heritage sites in Aceh and see how the process of memorializing sites is starting to take place. The identification process was conducted through literature review, interviews, focused group discussions, and field verification. Preliminary findings show that 20 significant heritage sites have been mapped, concentrated in the main conflict zones. The heritage objects are identified based on main events timeline and collective narratives of conflict. It also examines the typology of the physical memorials built across the main conflict heritage location and analyzes the process and the results of these memorialization efforts. The results show memorialization efforts face challenges in both the process and form of memorialization. Also, in realizing inclusive and empathic memorialization, it does not only rely on the multi-parties involved but more on the local environmental and cultural context.