Publications
Cultural Heritage Interpretation and Tourism English in Relation to World Site Manager’s Tasks, Management Challenges: The Case of OCMHS, Indonesia
Cultural heritage interpretation, when applied through Tilden’s principles, can significantly enhance the meaning and value of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making them more attractive to visitors while addressing management challenges. A study on Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto (OCMHS) in Indonesia found that current interpretations often reduce heritage significance to mere Dutch colonialist artifacts, failing to communicate its multifaceted cultural importance. Effective interpretation can bridge gaps among local stakeholders, improve tourism engagement—particularly through Tourism English—and foster commitment to preservation and investment. The research combines literature review, field surveys, and Tilden’s interpretative framework to demonstrate how language and storytelling can transform heritage perception, offering a practical solution for site managers facing governance fragmentation, regional sentiment issues, and low visitor attraction.
Orang Rantai, Mbah Soero, and the Moral Politics of Labor in the Ombilin Coal Mines
Colonial labor classifications in the Ombilin coal mines, particularly the term 'orang rantai' (chained laborers), were not neutral but served to legitimize coercive labor practices within a broader system of extraction. This study reveals how these classifications obscured the political and social contexts of forced labor while simultaneously shaping collective memory around figures like Mbah Soero, who came to symbolize ethical leadership rooted in solidarity. Through qualitative historical analysis—including scholarly literature, institutional heritage documents, and public narratives—the research challenges simplistic interpretations of colonial labor history by intertwining coercion, memory, and moral politics. Rather than reconstructing individual experiences, it offers an interpretive framework that recontextualizes the Ombilin mines as a site where legal labels, power dynamics, and ethical resistance converged.
The Development of Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage as an Urban Heritage Tourism Destination in Sawahlunto City, West Sumatra: A TALC Perspective
The Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto, Indonesia, has transitioned into a UNESCO World Heritage tourism destination, progressing through the exploration and involvement stages to the early development phase. This transformation is marked by adaptive reuse of industrial heritage assets, enhanced tourism infrastructure, stronger stakeholder collaboration, and increased promotional efforts. However, challenges such as fluctuating visitor numbers, limited product diversification, reliance on event-based promotion, and fragmented institutional coordination persist. The study, employing a qualitative case study approach with data from in-depth interviews, field observations, and document analysis, interprets these findings using Butler's Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) framework. It underscores the need for integrated destination management, stakeholder collaboration, and continuous innovation to ensure long-term sustainability and competitiveness of this heritage site.
Confirming, suturing and transforming international recognition: the case of world heritage
International recognition through UNESCO World Heritage List (WHL) inscription is not uniform, as demonstrated by the contrasting narratives of Scotland's Forth Bridge and Indonesia's Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage. While both sites were celebrated for their industrial significance, Indonesia's delegation had to navigate colonial connotations before framing the site as a modern achievement. The study identifies three modes of recognition pursuits—confirming, suturing, and transforming—that states employ to address uneven recognition landscapes. By analyzing post-inscription speeches from state delegations, the research reveals how symbolic structures shape recognition trajectories and how creative state engagements can reshape these dynamics.
Developing a cultural heritage taxonomy for an Indonesian world heritage site
A novel taxonomy, 'Pusako Ombilin,' bridges institutional silos by integrating 445 unique Indonesian terms from diverse sources to unify cultural heritage resources at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto (OCMHS). This framework demonstrates that cross-domain resource discovery is achievable through aspectual classification and ontology mapping, offering a standardized system for memory institutions. The study highlights its effectiveness in providing a cohesive overview of heritage materials regardless of origin, addressing gaps in existing knowledge organization systems.
Development of a Cultural Heritage Digital Repository for the Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto
Researchers have developed 'Pusako Ombilin,' a digital repository prototype for the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto (OCMHS). This open-source tool aims to modernize cultural heritage management by integrating data from libraries, archives, and museums (LAMs) into an accessible format. The study employed qualitative methods, including observations, interviews, document analysis, and focus groups, to assess the prototype's potential. While promising, significant challenges remain in optimizing data integration and creating standardized guidebooks. The researchers recommend further development of 'Pusako Ombilin' with a clear implementation guideline to enhance its usability and effectiveness.
Leaching Column Simulation of Acid Mine Drainage Potential from Overburden Rocks of the Sawahlunto Formation Ombilin Basin and Neutralization Study Using Vertical Passive System
Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) generation from overburden rocks in the Ombilin Basin, West Sumatra, is strongly influenced by their mineralogical composition. A study classified three overburden types—Kandi, Batu Tanjung, and Sikalang—as Non-Acid Forming (NAF), while Salak 1, Salak 2, and Salak 3 were identified as Potentially Acid Forming (PAF). Column leaching tests revealed significant variability in effluent pH and dissolved solids, with Salak 1 producing highly acidic effluent (pH 3.54) compared to NAF samples. Neutralization experiments using CaO and local limestones demonstrated effective AMD control, achieving calcium conversions up to 47.4%. These findings underscore the need for tailored passive neutralization systems in coal mining operations, with further optimization required for scalability.
Pemodelan Luas Genangan Banjir Batang Lunto di Wilayah Kota Sawahlunto
Flood modeling of the Batang Lunto River, a UNESCO-listed cultural heritage site in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra, reveals significant flood risk across 125.70 hectares. Using hydrological and hydrodynamic simulations with HEC-Ras 6.3.1 and ArcGIS 10.3, researchers mapped inundation areas for return periods of 2 to 100 years, showing that flood-prone zones could expand from 14.42% (18.12 Ha) at a 2-year return period to over half the area (50.68%, 63.70 Ha) at a 100-year interval. This study provides critical data for disaster mitigation in a region where flooding threatens heritage assets and geopark tourism destinations, offering actionable insights for urban planning and risk management.
Peran Dinas Kebudayaan Kota Sawahlunto Dalam Pengelolaan Situs Warisan Dunia Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto Untuk Mendukung Pariwisata Berkelanjutan
A qualitative, descriptive study reveals that the Sawahlunto Cultural Affairs Office plays a pivotal role as regulator, dynamisator, and facilitator in managing the UNESCO-listed Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage Site to foster sustainable tourism. The research highlights its efforts in preserving cultural heritage while supporting local economic growth. However, challenges such as the absence of a dedicated management body, budget constraints, limited human resources, and low community ownership persist. The study underscores the critical need for stakeholder collaboration to enhance effective, long-term management, ensuring both cultural preservation and sustainable tourism benefits.
The Efforts of Sawahlunto MSMEs in Preserving Batik as A Symbol of Beauty, Philosophy, And National Identity
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Sawahlunto play a pivotal role in preserving Sawahlunto Charcoal Batik as a cultural heritage, symbolizing beauty, philosophy, and national identity. This study reveals that MSMEs, supported by government programs like the Community Service Program (KKN), have successfully transformed the historical context of coal mining into a source of pride and cultural preservation. Using descriptive qualitative methods, the research highlights their multifaceted contributions: as producers of identity, guardians of local philosophy, and agents of skill regeneration. The success in preserving motifs inspired by the Ombilin Sawahlunto Coal Mining Heritage (WTBOS) underscores their significance in balancing economic growth with cultural heritage conservation, thereby enhancing welfare while maintaining local identity.
Metadata Interoperability for Cultural Heritage Digital Repositories: A Case Study in Indonesian World Heritage Site Memory Institutions
A key insight from this study is that metadata interoperability for cultural heritage digital repositories can be effectively achieved through the use of information crosswalks, as demonstrated by the 'Pusako Ombilin' system in Indonesia's UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto (OCMHS). The research found that mapping fields to standardized metadata schemas like Dublin Core and employing protocols such as the Open Archives Initiative (OAI) for metadata harvesting significantly enhances interoperability. However, challenges persist due to the lack of open-access policies and adequate human resources in OCMHS memory institutions. The study recommends prioritizing external interoperability with union catalogs and implementing open access rules to improve heritage information accessibility. This research highlights the critical role of information professionals in advancing such digital repositories.
Penerapan Teknologi Rel Kereta Api di Sumatera Barat
Rack railway systems were introduced in West Sumatra during the Dutch colonial period to overcome steep terrains, showcasing advanced technical innovation. This study highlights how the construction of the Ombilin coal mines and their associated railway network significantly boosted the local economy but also exposed labor exploitation. By analyzing colonial archives, technical reports, historical books, and scholarly articles, researchers revealed the interplay between technology, colonialism, and local society, emphasizing the importance of geographical adaptation in infrastructure development.
World Heritage Sustainability: Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto
Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto (OCMHS) faces persistent challenges to its sustainability despite its recognized universal value. The site's multi-component technology—encompassing mines, mining towns, railways, and ports—demands integrated preservation efforts. A study highlights unresolved issues such as 16 outstanding notes from the World Heritage secretariat, lack of a formal management body, inadequate budgetary support, and unclear governance responsibilities between regional and central authorities. The research employs historical methods—heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography—to analyze these problems over four years post-heritage designation. The findings underscore the need for collaborative efforts among governments and stakeholders to harmonize management practices and ensure OCMHS's long-term preservation as a globally significant heritage site.
Community enthusiasm in developing Ombilin coal-mining industrial heritage in Sawahlunto, West Sumatera
Local communities in Sawahlunto, West Sumatera, Indonesia, demonstrate strong enthusiasm for developing Ombilin coal-mining heritage into a sustainable tourism destination. This study reveals that the community actively supports efforts to preserve and revitalize the industrial site, recognizing its potential economic and cultural benefits. Using a mixed-methods approach—combining questionnaires with qualitative data from interviews, observations, and focus group discussions—the research provides insights into community attitudes toward heritage tourism development. The findings underscore the importance of integrating local perspectives in policymaking for sustainable tourism, offering valuable guidance for balancing conservation with economic growth.
Initiating Memory Institutions Convergence Through Digital Convergence in Indonesian World Heritage Sites
Digital convergence can effectively initiate the integration of libraries, archives, and museums (LAMs) to enhance cultural heritage information management. A study on the Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto (OCMHS), an Indonesian World Heritage Site, demonstrates this through a collaborative project involving Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia, and Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. They developed 'The Sawahlunto Memories,' a digital platform using free open-source software (FOSS) and the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) cascade development, to standardize LAMs in OCMHS. This approach not only improves access to memory institutions but also sets a best practice for preserving cultural heritage through quick digital technology adoption and effective information management.
Quaternary Urban Geology and the Foundation of Heritage Building: Notable Historical Cases in Sawahlunto, Indonesia
Heritage buildings in Sawahlunto, Indonesia, primarily use sedimentary rocks sourced from the Ombilin Basin, reflecting both historical and geological significance. This study reveals that local materials were predominantly used due to their abundance during the Dutch colonial era, contributing to the city's unique urban geological heritage. The research employed mixed methods, including geological mapping and content analysis, to identify rock types, topographic features, and building materials, while also analyzing their distribution and origin. These findings highlight the importance of integrating urban geology into heritage conservation efforts, particularly for UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Sawahlunto.
Pengembangan Warisan Budaya Tambang Batubara Ombilin Kota Sawahlunto
Despite progress, the development of Sawahlunto's Ombilin coal mine heritage faces challenges due to limited public awareness, human resources, and infrastructure. The study identifies collaborative governance as a key factor for effective heritage management, employing qualitative methods including interviews, documentation, and observations with purposive sampling and triangulation for data validation. While efforts have been made, gaps remain, highlighting the need for enhanced strategies to overcome obstacles in preserving this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Regional competitiveness of a post‐mining city in tourism: Ombilin coal mining heritage of Sawahlunto, Indonesia
In the Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto, Indonesiasport and recreational opportunities, shopping, and cuisine emerge as higher-impact drivers of tourism competitiveness than mining heritage or natural beauty. Despite their perceived importance in destination choice, these core attributes had a relatively low influence on overall visitor experience. The study used relevance-determinant analysis (RDA) and competitive-performance analysis (CPA) to assess tourist perceptions from a questionnaire survey. With Sawahlunto's performance below average regionally, the findings underscore the need for targeted policy interventions to boost these high-impact attributes while preserving its unique post-mining heritage.
Changing Stages of System Innovation at The Ombilin’s Coal Mines of Sawahlunto: From Ghost Town To World Heritage
A key insight from this study is that the transformation of Sawahlunto's Ombilin coal mines into a UNESCO World Heritage Site was driven by multi-dimensional system innovation, involving government sector reforms, economic development, and socio-political change. The research identifies two critical success factors: strong leadership and effective integration of heritage assets to balance diverse stakeholder interests. This study enriches the understanding of system innovation through historical reconstruction and offers a novel approach to social history by analyzing the path to World Heritage status. It highlights how leadership played a pivotal role in revitalizing heritage assets, contributing to sustainable tourism development.
Ombilin Coal Mine Site: History and Potential as a Learning Source for the History of the Economy Based on Outdoor Learning
The Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers significant potential as an outdoor learning resource for the history of economic development. The site, shaped by Dutch colonial projects including coal exploitation, railway construction, and port development, retains notable heritage elements such as the Railway Museum, Goedang Ranseum, Mbah Soero Mine Hole, and the Coal Mining Museum. These remnants serve as tangible historical sources that can enrich educational experiences, particularly in outdoor learning contexts. The study employed a qualitative descriptive approach, utilizing interviews, literature, and newspapers to analyze primary and secondary sources. Challenges in leveraging this site for educational purposes were also identified, highlighting the need for strategic preservation and utilization efforts.
Sustainable Conservation of the Coal Mining Town: Ombilin Sawahlunto West Sumatra Indonesia Context
Sawahlunto, a historic coal-mining town in West Sumatra, Indonesia, stands as a testament to Dutch colonial infrastructure from the late 19th century. Its well-preserved railway, mining structures, and harbor have become pivotal for historical tourism, drawing global attention. A qualitative observational study identifies sustainable conservation strategies to maintain its UNESCO World Heritage potential while integrating it into cultural heritage management frameworks. The research proposes a development plan that balances preservation with new functions as a tourism destination, ensuring long-term sustainability.
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