Yogyakarta, October 30, 2024 - The International Conference on Archives, Social Science, and Humanities (ICoASHE) 2024 was officially opened on October 28, 2024. The event was organized by Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in collaboration with the Indonesian Association of University Archives (PAPTI). The three-day event ran from October 28 to 30, 2024, at the University Club (UC) Hotel UGM, Yogyakarta, under the theme “Sustainable Archiving, Education, and Cultural Preservation on Global Approach.”

The opening of ICoASHE 2024 was attended and inaugurated by University Secretary, Andi Sandi Antonius Tabusassa Tonralipu, SH., LLM, accompanied by the Head of UGM Library and Archives, Arif Surachman, S.IP., M.B.A., who also delivered the committee's report. The keynote speakers at ICoASHE 2024 included UGM Vice Rector for Education and Learning, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA., and PAPTI Chairman, Prof. Dr. H. Nandang Alamsah Deliarnoor, S.A.P., S.H., M.Hum.

In her video message, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro expressed gratitude and appreciation to all parties involved in the success of ICoASHE 2024 at Universitas Gadjah Mada and hoped that the event would be beneficial for archive management and preservation.

“I would like to express our gratitude and highest appreciation to the Indonesian higher education archives association and the University Gadjah Mada Library and Archives for holding this prestigious event. This conference is an important momentum to explore and discuss solutions to the challenges in archive management and sustainable preservation at both the Indonesian and global levels,” said Wening.

On the first day, 13 presenters from various regions and professions presented their research in four parallel sessions. Each session was dynamic and interactive, guided by moderators who ensured active participation from the international seminar attendees.

The event continued with the PAPTI congress attended by all PAPTI officials and members, including PAPTI Honorary Board member Dr. M. Taufik, M.Si. The congress discussed the work program and management structure of PAPTI for the next period.

The second day began with presentations by three presenters, including the main presenter, Drs. Djoko Utomo, M.A., former Head of ANRI (National Archives of the Republic of Indonesia) 2004-2009 and currently an Honorary Member of SARBICA, who presented a paper titled “The Use of Artificial Intelligence for Archival Assessment of Pope Francis’ Visit to Indonesia: An Initial Thought.”

After the presentations, participants listened to material from prominent seminar speakers: Prof. dr. K.J.P.M. Charles Juergens, Prof. Sue McKemmish, Ph.D., Prof. Yako Kozano, and Widiatmoko Adi Putranto, M.L.I.M. The seminar, moderated by Dr. Suzie Handajani, M.A., discussed the role of archives in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including enhancing access to information and quality education.

The seminar was followed by a panel discussion that provided an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and delve deeper into the implementation of archives in social and cultural contexts. At the end of the event, PAPTI presented the PAPTI Award to individuals who have made significant contributions to archive management in Indonesia.

On the third day, participants visited the Yogyakarta Palace (Kraton Yogyakarta), a cultural heritage site rich in the history of Yogyakarta. This visit aimed to provide deeper insights into the preservation of archives and local culture and link it with efforts to achieve the SDGs, especially in terms of cultural heritage preservation and public education.

The ICoASHE 2024 is expected to encourage collaboration and innovation in the fields of archives, social sciences, and humanities, as well as raise awareness of the importance of sustainable information management for a better future.