Leang-leang Maros Becomes Civilization Time Capsule, Minister Of Culture Encourages Global Collaboration

MAROS - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon opened the International Conference of Gau' Manja Leang-Leang Maros at the Maros Multipurpose Building, South Sulawesi, Friday, July 4.

This conference raised the theme Leang-Leang Maros as the Gate for World Ancient Human Civilization.

Archaeologists, culturalists, and researchers from various countries were present to discuss the archaeological heritage and management strategies of this prehistoric area.

In his speech, Fadli Zon emphasized four key points. First, he emphasized the universal value of Leang-Leang Maros as a human candidate.

"The combination of the cave here is not just a stone. This is the monumental canvas where the first humans express their thoughts. The figurelative painting 51,200 years old in Leang-Leang has shaken the world," said Fadli as quoted on Saturday, July 5.

Second, he highlighted the importance of the legacy reinventing approach. According to him, conventional conservation is no longer enough.

He offers three strategies: reprogramming through 4D animated films, redesigning to make the cave a live laboratory, and reinvigorating through the research residential program.

"We need a multidisciplinary breakthrough that bridges the past and future," said Fadli.

Third, cultural heritage must be a lever for the economy of the local community. Fadli said that the concept of green tourism, educational technology, and adaptive reuses such as conferences on ancient sites could boost the welfare of local residents.

"Our big vision stands on three pillars: preservation, local economic empowerment, and ecological responsibility," he said.

Fourth, he emphasized cross-sectoral collaboration. The philosophy of Bugis Mali Siparappe, Rebba Sipatokkong is his inspiration.

"Protecting each other in joy and sorrow is the foundation of every initiative," said Fadli.

He invited the local community to actively engage, train cultural guides, and build research networks with BRIN and international universities. He also emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary research and structured nomination teams to achieve UNESCO World Heritage status.

The conference lasted two days. A number of leading experts were present, including Prof. Campbell Macknight (ANU), Dr. Herry Yogaswara (BRIN), Prof. Zuliskandar Ramli (UKM), Prof. Adam Brumm (Village University), and Dr. Stephen Druce (Universiti Brunei Darussalam).

They discussed the potential of the Maros-Pangkep area as the epicenter of prehistoric Southeast Asia research. Closing his speech, Fadli Zon called for a collective spirit.

"Leang-Leang is not just a window of the past. He has sophisticated binoculars towards a sustainable future," he said.

He invited the younger generation to make Indonesian culture a dynamical force that grows through innovation and collaboration.

"Not just inherited, but developed together," he concluded.