Revitalisation of cultural heritage must provide benefits for society

Jakarta (ANTARA) - An academic from the History Department of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Ahmad Athoillah, stated that the revitalisation of cultural heritage sites such as palaces must provide reciprocal benefits for the quality of life of the community, not only economically but also in preserving local cultural characteristics.

“Indeed, revitalisation must include an aspect called economic revitalisation, but there is also the concept of environmental objectives. So, there must be environment and economy,” said Ahmad during a discussion on the revitalisation of Nusantara palaces in Jakarta on Friday.

He stated that there are important elements in the revitalisation of cultural heritage such as palaces, namely the conservation of traditional values and social values, as well as economic values that can provide benefits for the wider community after the revitalisation actions are taken and incorporate new life that aligns with the needs of the community.

He mentioned that cultural heritage revitalisation policies must be oriented towards area management, community participation, decentralisation of authority, and the development of demands and needs of the community.

“How can revitalisation attract community involvement? Indeed, there must be an economic aspect, second, a social aspect on how the spirit of mutual cooperation rises, and also a cultural aspect,” he said.

Ahmad stated that the revitalisation model is not only focused on buildings but also based on historical restoration, eco-cultural tourism, area-based and cultural landscape to restore identity in accordance with its history.

According to him, revitalisation must involve the community not only for the economic benefit of the community but also to encourage participation in preserving culture so that awareness of protecting cultural heritage increases.