Cooperation Agreement Signed between University for Continuing Education Krems & Institut Seni Indonesia Yogyakarta (ISI)
On September 30, 2024, a cooperation agreement was signed between the University for Continuing Education Krems and Institut Seni Indonesia Yogyakarta (ISI) in the presence of His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Austria, Dr. Damos Dumoli Agusman, SH, MA. The agreement was signed by the two rectors, Rector Mag. Friedrich Faulhammer and Rector Dr. Irwandi, M.Sn. It encompasses joint teaching and research, as well as the development of the new Chair in Restoration in Indonesia.
This event was part of the celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Austria and Indonesia. The immediate impetus for the agreement was the establishment of the first chair for the restoration of movable cultural heritage in Indonesia. Since 2016, annual joint research and development projects have been carried out in this area, with Dr. Patricia Engel leading the efforts in Krems.
Just in March, the eight-year development work was continued. This successfully advanced the fruitful collaboration that has existed for eight years with Indonesian universities, research institutions, and restoration centers, alongside the University for Continuing Education Krems. Prof. Dr. Patricia Engel is establishing Indonesia’s first university chair for conservation and restoration at the Indonesia Institute of the Arts Yogyakarta, using outstanding cultural monuments as „best practice“ examples. Conservation concepts have already been developed for the famous Wayang Beber puppet theater (an intangible cultural heritage of Indonesia) and contemporary works such as the Affandi pieces. For this work, Engel, along with her Indonesian colleagues, has already received the Bernd Rode Award. Their efforts are now being further supported by substantial backing from the Austrian Ministry for European and International Affairs.
The ceremony on September 30, 2024, was preceded by a specialized symposium on September 29, 2024. This symposium provided insightful and fascinating presentations on various cultural assets, including textiles, written documents, palm leaf books, puppets for puppet theaters, fibers, and metal swords, offering a comprehensive overview of the current state of restoration practices in Indonesia.
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