The Archaeology Programme at the University of Hasanuddin is involved in a study on the development of the Nekara Selayar Museum
Makassar, 29 April 2026 – The Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Hasanuddin University has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the preservation and development of cultural heritage. Through an official assignment from the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Dr Yadi Mulyadi, M.A., as an expert, and Lukman Hakim, S.S. as an Archaeological Laboratory Assistant, were assigned to participate in the Museum Development Study at the Nekara Selayar Museum, Selayar Islands Regency, from 16–20 April 2026, whilst Wandi, S.Hum, an alumnus of the Unhas Archaeology Undergraduate Programme, was tasked with assisting in the data recording process and the development of the museum’s application.
This activity is a follow-up to an official request from the UPTD Nekara Museum, the Selayar Islands Regency Department of Tourism and Culture, which emphasised the importance of museum development studies in order to improve service quality and establish the museum as a centre for cultural education as well as a tourist destination. The Nekara Museum currently holds 18,084 items in its collection, reflecting extraordinary cultural potential and requiring management based on academic research.
In addition, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences has also assigned another team of lecturers, namely Dr Khadijah Thahir Muda, M.Si., Yusriana, S.S., M.A., and Dott. Erwin Mansyur Ugu Saraka, S.S., M.Arch., MatSc., to carry out a Museum Collection Review from 20–25 April 2026 at the same location. The involvement of these lecturers is expected to provide strategic recommendations regarding collection management, the development of exhibition narratives, and enhancing the museum’s appeal to the wider public.
The Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Andi Muhammad Akhmar, S.S., M.Hum., emphasised that this initiative forms part of Hasanuddin University’s tangible contribution to supporting the local government’s programme for the preservation of cultural heritage sites. “Museums are not merely repositories for historical artefacts, but also spaces for learning and community empowerment. It is hoped that the involvement of the academic team will help to strengthen these functions,” he said.
Relevance to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
This initiative also serves as evidence of the university’s performance indicators:
- IKU 3: Lecturers Engaging in Off-Campus Activities – Archaeology lecturers at Unhas are directly involved as experts and resource persons in museum development projects initiated by the local government. This demonstrates the active role of lecturers in gaining industry experience, collaborating with external partners, and mentoring the community off-campus.
- IKU 5: Faculty Output Utilised by the Community – The studies and recommendations resulting from these activities will be implemented by the UPTD Museum Nekara in the management of its collections and the development of its services. Thus, the academic work of lecturers does not merely remain within the realm of research, but also gains recognition and delivers tangible benefits to the community.
Through this collaboration, the Archaeology Programme at Unhas further affirms its role as a strategic partner in cultural development, whilst expanding the scope of the university’s tri-dharma through research, community service, and teaching that are oriented towards the needs of the community.
