Heritage preservation and cultural experience in Central Java

This project follows an important global initiative for preservation of World Heritage sites since 2008. Arriving from all across the world, the volunteers will discuss issues related to world heritage and cultural diversity while actively engaging in the preservation of World Heritage sites.

Prambanan temple compounds is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Indonesia which is one of the largest temple compounds in Southeast Asia. It was built in the 9th century dedicated to the three great Hindu divinities (Shiva, Wishnu and Brahma). The Prambanan temple compounds consist of Prambanan temple (also called Loro Jonggrang), Sewu temple, Bubrah temple and Lumbung temple with a total of about 240 temples. The temples were damaged by the earthquake in 2006 and volcano ashes from Kelud mountain eruption in 2014. The volunteers will be introduced to the World Heritage Centre’s activities and campaign, as well as the history and dynamics of World Heritage sites worldwide. The Heritage Centre renders a symbolic dimension to heritage through debates and reflections, contributes to the restoration and preservation of cultural heritage, and improves accessibility and availability of information. The Centre also raises the awareness of the local population by creating a sense of ownership and identification. It also promotes cultural heritage among international volunteers and organizations.

The volunteers will work on restoration projects in the Prambanan temples. Before the restoration work begins, the volunteers will have a one-day orientation. This orientation will teach participants how to perform restoration work and will provide information about the history of the temple. This is a truly educational process, which will enrich the volunteers with cultural understanding and a lot of knowledge about the temples and the process of restoration.

Since the volunteers will be living in the local community of Bugisan, they will also engage in activities with the students of the local school. Volunteers will help promote preservation of the temples and do some activities like student competitions, culture exchange, etc. The volunteers will also campaign about world heritage preservation and preservation of Prambanan Temple in particular among the local community and visitors to the world heritage site.

Study theme: The volunteers will be introduced to Prambanan temple compounds and will learn about the value of history and culture. They will learn why and how this temple was built long time ago by visiting temples and heritage sites around. The volunteers will also be introduced to the Indonesian culture and customs in general, with a special focus on the Javanese particularities. Some cultural visits are also foreseen.

Project dates:

• January 6 - January 17, 2025
• February 17 - February 28, 2025

►► More info at: https://cadip.org/volunteer-in-indonesia

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