YOGYAKARTA - A total of 58 students from the University of Malaya, Malaysia, along with dozens of students of UGM Architecture and Geography, conducted field studies on the model of conservation and preservation of heritage tourism in Yogyakarta and Central Java. They visited Prambanan and Borobudur Temples, the Kotagede area, Keraton (Palace), Malioboro, and the Kauman Great Mosque, and Fort Vredeburg. "For one week, they visited all of the heritage buildings. From this visit, they will submit the report results related to the preservation and conservation," said Chairman of the UGM Master Doctoral Studies Program of Tourism Studies, Dr. M. Baiquni, M.A., Friday (21/1).
Malaya Students will deliver a range of research on preservation and conservation activities that were conducted in Yogyakarta towards the various heritage buildings. "Malaya students will present the results of their observation about the Prambanan Temple, Borobudur, and the Palace, and then compare them against the existing heritage buildings in Malaysia," he explained.
Baiquni explained that this comparative study activity is one form of cooperation between UGM and the University of Malaya.
Meanwhile, lecturer of the University of Malaya, Dr. Umi Kalsum, explained that students who follow this activity are the civil engineering students. They shall observe the extent of damage and architectural design of the heritage buildings that have been conserved. "They learn conservation work, the process, and then they will report what materials are needed," she said.
In addition to understanding the process of conservation, according to Umi Kalsum, students are required to do the documentation for the conservation process, and calculate all quantities of materials needed to facilitate the contractor in the process.
After visiting the heritage buildings, the Malaya students will conclude this event by conducting field visits to areas that suffered the damage from the impact of Merapi eruption.