The Involvement of Archaeology Lecturers and Students from the University of Hasanuddin in the Leang Karampuang Excavation

Makassar, 7 April 2026 – The Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, has once again reaffirmed its commitment to the preservation of the nation’s cultural heritage. Pursuant to the Assignment Letter from the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, No. 04529/UN4.1.15/KP.09.00/2026, a number of lecturers have been appointed as resource persons and experts for the Phase 2 Excavation of the Leang Karampuang I Cultural Heritage Site in Maros Regency, South Sulawesi.  

This activity follows an official request from the Regional Cultural Preservation Office XIX (BPK XIX) via letter No. 199/L6.20/KB.15.01/2026 dated 4 April 2026, regarding the Request for Personnel. In the letter, BPK XIX stated that the excavation would take place over 12 days, from 8 to 19 April 2026, involving 77 people comprising academics, archaeologists, local government officials, and the Cultural Heritage Police. This activity is chaired by Andi Jusdi, M.Hum. (NIP 198407082009121006). 

The lecturer appointed as the keynote speaker was Prof. Dr. Akin Duli, M.A., whilst the panel of experts comprised: Dr Yadi Mulyadi, S.S., M.A., Drs La Ode Muhammad Aksa, M.Hum., Andi Muh. Saiful, S.S., M.A., Suryatman, S.S., M.Hum., and Fahran Reza, S.S., M.Hum. In addition to the lecturers, seven archaeology students were also involved by the Regional Cultural Preservation Office XIX in the excavation activities at Leang Karampuang. 

The involvement of Unhas archaeology lecturers in this activity serves as tangible evidence of the achievement of the Higher Education Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including:  

- KPI 2: Students gain off-campus experience through participation in excavation activities alongside lecturers and external partners.  

- KPI 3: Lecturers engage in off-campus activities in the role of experts and resource persons in projects initiated by ministries and government agencies.  

- KPI 6: Study programmes establish collaborations with world-class partners, in this case the Ministry of Culture’s UPT (BPK XIX), which strengthens academic and professional networks. 

The excavation at Leang Karampuang is not merely a research activity, but also a means of knowledge transfer, capacity building for students, and a tangible contribution to the preservation of the nation’s cultural heritage. Thus, the involvement of Unhas archaeology lecturers in this activity reflects the synergy between academics, the government, and the community, whilst reinforcing the position of Hasanuddin University as a competitive institution of higher education that contributes directly to national cultural development.