Archaeology for Whose Interpretation?: Finding Space for Alternative Archaeology in Indonesia

Abstract

To date, archeological research has been widely conducted in Indonesia. The results of this research, however, are not widely known by the public because they are merely meant for archeologists. This leads the public in some instances to interpret archeological remains in their own neighborhoods. This public need of archeology could be promoted through archeological research being delivered to the public though exhibitions, museums or archeological sites. This article presents a discussion of Indonesian archeologists’ problems of authority, the growth of Alternative Archeology as a ‘challenge’ to mainstream archeology and the implications Alternative Archeology has for the broader community.