Conservation Practices of Sangiran Archaelogical Site as a Cultural Heritage

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the social practices done by people around Sangiran archaeological site in the intention to conserve it as a cultural heritage. To know such practices, therefore, a study on people’s habitus, capitals (economic, cultural, social, and symbolic) availability, and their field around the site as a cultural heritage. To address the intention, then, this study was design and administered in the light of qualitative research approach with single case study strategy. The data were collected from several informants, relevant documents, and archives by using several data collection techniques (interview, observation, and documentation). Next, samples were chosen by using non-probability sampling with maximum variation sampling. The samples, from which the data were obtained, are informants from Balai Pelestarian Situs Manusia Purba (BPSMPS) / Premordial man conservation office, public figures (Krikilan village authority) and people working in and off the site area  From the data collected, it is, then, known that people’s habitus around the site is closely related to the historical development of researches on and discoveries of primordial man fossils in the area in 1930’s. People’s knowledge and perception about the local wisdoms, local cultural values, values of belief, and daily acts reflects the preserved habitus of theirs. To perform the social practices regarding the site conservation, the people, then, combine between the existed habitus and the available capitals. Not only economic or material capitals of which the people utilize, but they also significantly utilize cultural, social, and symbolic capitals which can be invested and inherited to produce several other beneficial capital to gain certain positions in particular area.  Furthermore, it is also revealed that the conservation practices done are fully handled by Balai Pelestarian Situs Manusia Purba Sangiran (BPSMPS) / Premordial man conservation office. However, the institution does not work independently, but rather involve the people around the area as well. They, the people, take parts by handing the fossils found to the official party for the sake of research development. In addition, they also contribute by actively engaged in the empowerment programs managed by BPSMPS to develop the tourism potential of the site (Museum)

Keywords: Conservation practices, habitus, capitals, field, Sangiran