Her expertise covers forensic anthropology area. But who would have thought that behind her expertise as a researcher, she has the talent as a writer and painter. At least some 15 books that include scientific work, journal, novel and comics have been produced by the lady born in Surakarta, 14 November 1963. She is Prof. drg. Etty Indriati, Ph.D.
One book of Etty Indriati that attracts interest is the comics entitled Cultural Heritage and Homo Sapiens from Sangiran. The 48-page book that was published in 2009 talks about research in Sangiran homo sapiens.
“The initial idea came from my own child’s question who was 2 years old at that time. This had inspired me to put them into comics,” Etty said on Tuesday (5/2).
Etty said Indonesia is very rich in culture and artifacts. Unfortunately, such knowledge is told to children only in the classroom because not many people have written books about it.
“The form of comics makes it suitable for elementary school children, even university students, especially from Archeology department,” she added.
She explained that her interest in research had started since she joined UGM in 1988. Along with Prof. Teuku Jacob, she did many field researches. Etty said there are not many researchers in Indonesia who do work in paleoanthropology. The result is that many fossils in Indonesia are studied by foreign researchers.
“In order to develop interest in paleoanthropology, I made a popular writing in the form of comic,” said the professor in Faculty of Medicine UGM.
Etty hoped that the book can draw children’s interest in learning at museums or about artifacts. Parents have a big role in order that children can learn about museums. Along with the increasing interest in the comic, Etty wants to keep writing books.
“Scientists have to go down to the field and the real form of their research is the publication of the work,” she said.