Ayatrohaedi: Professor of Archaeology
Ayatrohaedi, affectionately known as a professor of archaeology at FIB UI (Faculty of Humanities, University of Indonesia), had many interests. His wide-ranging knowledge likely developed from his childhood habit of reading. In high school, Ayatrohaedi became motivated to write, leading to the publication of his first collection of short stories in Sundanese, Hujan Munggaran (The First Rain, 1960), when he was just 21 years old.
Archaeology explores the past by examining material remains, evolving from its roots in treasure hunting to a scientific approach (Siregar, 2019, p. 200). Archaeologists now use various disciplines to understand human behavior better, track cultural shifts, and reconstruct historical narratives. By integrating fields like anthropology, history, and geology, they can piece together complex cultural histories with greater accuracy and depth.
Ayatrohaedi’s interest in archaeology began during his high school years. Influenced by Olla Sumarna, an archaeology student from the University of Indonesia (UI), who lived with him, Ayatrohaedi developed a deep curiosity about ancient cultures. Upon graduating, he pursued archaeology at UI. During his entrance exam, when asked why Gajah Mada is considered a national hero, he boldly stated, “Gajah Mada is not a national hero but a national colonizer.” This response reflected his critical thinking and set the tone for his future career in archaeology.
Ayatrohaedi: A Journey Through Education and Writing
This section details Ayatrohaedi’s educational journey, highlighting his academic achievements, professional challenges, and significant contributions to archaeology and linguistics throughout his career.
Educational Journey
Ayatrohaedi graduated from the University of Indonesia (UI) in 1964 and began his career at the Archaeology Institute. In 1966, he worked in Trowulan, East Java, during the “eradication of G-30-S remnants,” witnessing disturbing events upon returning to West Java. His outspoken criticism led to challenges at UNPAD (Padjadjaran University), where he taught for five years before transferring to UI in 1972. He earned a doctorate in linguistics, specializing in dialectology, and was appointed a professor in both archaeology and linguistics in 1992, despite initial objections regarding his academic background.
Ayatrohaedi as a Writer
Besides his work in archaeology, Ayatrohaedi was also a talented writer. He wrote short stories and poetry in both Sundanese and Indonesian. Additionally, he published articles on archaeology, history, literature, and culture in various media outlets. He also authored and translated books on history, language, and archaeology.
Notable Works Ayatrohaedi
Ayatrohaedi wrote several short story collections, including Warisan (Heritage, 1965), Yang Tersisih (The Excluded, 1965), and a children’s historical story, Panji Segala Raja (1974). His poetry collections include Pabila dan Di Mana (When and Where, 1977). His books on language include Dialektologi (Dialectology, 1978) and Reka Bahasa (Language Invention, 1995). Additionally, he contributed to Sejarah Nasional (National History), specifically volume II on “The Sundanese Kingdom” (1975).
Educational Background
Born in Jatiwangi in 1952, Ayatrohaedi commenced his education at SR Jatiwangi, progressing to SMP Majalengka, where he graduated in 1955. He then attended SMA Muhammadiyah Jakarta, completing his secondary education in 1959. Subsequently, he pursued higher studies, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology from the University of Indonesia (UI) in 1964. His passion for linguistics drove him to further his studies in Linguistics and Philology at Leiden University from 1971 to 1973, where he refined his expertise. He then specialized in dialectology in Grenoble from 1975 to 1976, culminating in a Doctorate in Linguistics from UI in 1978. This academic journey equipped him with profound knowledge, enabling impactful contributions to both language and archaeology.
Career Ayatrohaedi Highlights
Beginning his career at the Archaeology and National Heritage Institute in Jakarta, Acep Zamzam Noor dedicated a decade (1956-1966) to important archaeological work at Trowulan, Mojokerto. This foundational experience provided him with invaluable insights into Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, allowing him to understand the complexities of his nation’s history. He transitioned into academia in 1967, taking on a lecturing role at the Faculty of Letters at UNPAD until 1972. During this period, he contributed to the academic growth of his students while sharing his extensive field expertise. His passion for teaching and commitment to education laid the groundwork for future archaeologists and linguists.
In 1972, he joined the Faculty of Letters at the University of Indonesia (UI), where he continues to lecture, nurturing new generations of scholars in the field. His contributions to education extend beyond the classroom, as he later became Vice-Rector of the Jakarta Institute of the Arts (IKJ). In this capacity, he played a significant role in advancing the institution’s educational mission and promoting artistic endeavors. Each role throughout his career reflects his deep commitment to preserving and promoting Indonesian heritage while fostering academic excellence and cultural appreciation.
Selected Books
His literary contributions span various genres, showcasing his versatility and dedication to literature. He began his journey with “Hujan Munggaran,” a collection of short stories published in 1960, followed by “Warisan” in 1965, which further solidified his reputation as a compelling storyteller. In 1967, he released “Kabogoh Tere,” a novel that captivated readers with its engaging narrative.
Transitioning to poetry, he published “Pamapag” in 1972, demonstrating his ability to evoke deep emotions through verse. His work for children includes “Panji Segala Raja,” published in 1974, which educates young readers about historical figures. In 1975, he authored “Sejarah Nasional: The Sundanese Kingdom,” offering insights into the rich heritage of the Sundanese people.
His translation work includes “Puisi Negro” and “Semendung Ombak” in 1976, which introduced international literary voices to Indonesian audiences. Additionally, he produced “Pabila dan Di Mana,” a poetry collection in 1977, and contributed significantly to academic literature with “Dialektologi Sebuah Pengantar” in 1978 and “Kamus Arkeologi Indonesia” in 1979. His translations of “Tata Bahasa dan Ungkapan Bahasa Sunda” in 1980 and “Tata Bahasa Sunda” in 1985 further enriched the field. Later, he published “Di Kebon Binatang” in 1992 and “Reka Bahasa” in 1995, continuing his legacy as a prolific writer and scholar.
References:
As a reliable source of information, this article draws on a variety of references from both books and academic journals. These sources provide well-researched and credible insights, ensuring that the content presented is accurate and supported by established scholarly materials.
Here are the references from the article above.
- Rosidi, A., dkk. (2003). Apa Siapa Orang Sunda. Bandung: PT Kiblat Buku Utama.
- Siregar, S. M. (2019). Paradigma dalam Ilmu Arkeologi. ISTORIA, 15(2), 200-205.
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