Digital Preservation and Mitigation of Cultural Heritage: Case Studies on Sekaran Sites in the Context of Toll Road Development

Infrastructure development has progressed from year to year. The increasing need for infrastructure makes this one of the keys to a country's success. According to the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (2022), in terms of Bina Marga toll road construction, there are 68 toll road sections with a length of 2,545 km that are operational and 27 sections (1,809 km) that are still under construction. The development of toll roads makes it easier for people to carry out activities, both trade and mobilization between islands. Infrastructure development certainly has positive and negative impacts if it is not implemented in accordance with community needs and problems(E. Marinho, G. Campelo, J. Franca, 2017). According to(Gaal, Hassan Osman dan Afrah, 2017), infrastructure development has a significant impact, especially on the economic sector. The findings explain that the lack of infrastructure development has had impacts such as increasing unemployment rates and barriers to carrying out transactions and high levels of economic activity. However, although infrastructure development can provide benefits, especially in the economic sector, it also has negative impacts. Regions or communities affected by infrastructure development are concerned about changes and the erosion of existing cultural and traditional values. The presence of new arrivals, as well as developers' indifference to the existing culture, is one of the impacts(Fajri, Muhammad dan Rarasati, 2019). The erosion of existing customs and culture makes preservation necessary. In general, preservation can be defined as preservation. This understanding has a very broad meaning. So this can cover various parts such as financial, managerial, storage, accommodation, and others (Owen, 2018). This is a matter of debate because preserving certain areas can influence or even hinder infrastructure development in an area. The novelty of this research on the digital preservation of cultural heritage sites threatened by infrastructure development, exemplified by the case study of the Sekaran Site, lies in several key aspects; Localized Focus with Broader Implications: While previous studies have broadly addressed the digital preservation of cultural heritage, this research narrows down to a specific, recently discovered site affected by infrastructure development (Fatori¢ & Seekamp, 2017). By concentrating on the Sekaran Site and its unique challenges and opportunities within the context of the Pakis toll road exit construction, this work adds a valuable case study to the field (Ismanto et al., 2020). This localized focus, combined with insights into the broader implications for digital preservation practices, provides a unique perspective on balancing development and preservation. Integration of Agrarian Law and Cultural Heritage Preservation: This research innovatively examines the interplay between agrarian law and the preservation of cultural heritage sites (Rai, 2023). This legal perspective is crucial for understanding the regulatory and policy frameworks that govern land use and heritage preservation, offering new insights into how laws can support or hinder preservation efforts in the face of development pressures. Community Engagement and Awareness: By involving interviews with local residents, this study emphasizes the importance of community engagement in the preservation process. This aspect highlights the social dimensions of digital preservation, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of how local communities perceive and value their cultural heritage. This focus on community involvement and awareness can offer new strategies for increasing public support for efforts. preservation Sustainability and Environmental Considerations: Addressing the environmental impact of both infrastructure development and digital preservation activities adds a layer of complexity and relevance to this research (Persada et al., 2018). By considering sustainability in the context of digital preservation, this study aligns with global priorities for environmental stewardship and sustainable development, offering a model for how digital preservation can be conducted in an eco-friendly manner. Digital Preservation as a Tool for Mitigation: This research positions digital preservation not just as a means of documenting cultural heritage, but as a strategic tool for mitigating the impacts of infrastructure development (Masenya & Ngulube, 2019). This approach suggests a proactive role for digital technologies in safeguarding heritage sites, extending beyond traditional reactive or documentary functions. The urgency and significance of this research on digital preservation of cultural heritage in the face of infrastructure development are highlighted by several recent studies and developments in the field. These studies collectively emphasize the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and accommodating the infrastructure needs of communities (Singh, 2012) developed a strong sustainability framework for the digital preservation of cultural heritage, focusing on minimizing environmental impacts while maximizing preservation potential. This research underscores the importance of considering environmental sustainability in digital preservation efforts, which could be a critical angle for your study, especially in light of infrastructure development's environmental footprint. Another study reviewed the tools and techniques used in the digital preservation of architectural heritage within disaster cycles. This research, aimed to understand how digital technology aids in conserving architectural heritage amid disasters, offering insights into the potential for digital conservation in the context of infrastructure development (Zhang et al., 2023). The study highlighted the growth in research on digital preservation of architectural heritage, suggesting an increasing recognition of its importance. The discussion on digital futures for cultural heritage by AMT Lab at CMU touches on the importance of accessibility and usability of digitized data. It raises concerns about the visibility of digitalized collections and the biases inherent in Al systems used in digital heritage projects. These considerations are essential for ensuring that digital preservation efforts are inclusive and ethically sound, making digital heritage accessible to a broader audience and preserving it in a way that accurately reflects diverse cultural narratives (Muthoka et al., 2021). This research intersects with these studies by focusing on a specific case—the Sekaran Site—offering a nuanced exploration of how digital preservation can serve as a bridge between the need for infrastructure development and the imperative to preserve cultural heritage. By incorporating these perspectives, your study could contribute valuable insights into the sustainable, inclusive, and effective digital preservation of cultural heritage sites threatened by infrastructure projects. Therefore, this research was carried out with the aim of finding out how preservation is carried out on a site affected by infrastructure development Infrastructure here focuses on toll road construction. Apart from that, this research aims to find out how to preserve an area from an agrarian law perspective. This research uses a qualitative research method with a case study approach. The object of this research is the Sekaran Site, Lesanpuro, which is a site affected by the construction of the Pakis toll road exit, Malang. Data collection was carried out through interviews, literature studies and documentation. It is hoped that the results of this research can become a reference for how preservation, especially digital preservation, can be applied to areas affected by infrastructure development. Apart from that, it is hoped that the preservation that has been carried out will become a digital archive that can be accessed easily in the future.

The Sekaran site is a cultural heritage site located in Madyopuro, an area currently experiencing rapid infrastructure development. This site has significant historical and cultural value, becoming a valuable heritage for the local community and the nation as a whole. The Sekaran site has been the object of research and of archaeologists since its initial discovery. The Sekaran site is a cultural heritage site located in Sekarpuro Village, Pakis District, Malang Regency. This site was discovered on attention February, 24 2019 by workers on the Pandaan-Malang Toll Road construction project. The Sekaran site has a long and important history, so its existence needs to be saved and preserved. From this initial research, it is known that the Sekaran site has a long history and may have experienced development over time Figure 1. Sekaran Site, Madyopuro, Malang Regency, East Java (Source: researcher document, 2023) The government has taken several significant actions in order to protect and preserve the Sekaran site. These steps reflect the government's commitment to protecting this valuable cultural heritage. First, the government has recognized the historical and cultural value of the Sekaran site by declaring it a legally protected cultural heritage site. Through this declaration process, the Sekaran site receives legal protection that ensures proper conservation and management efforts. With cultural heritage status, this site is considered to have important value for national identity and cannot be damaged or destroyed without permission granted by the competent authorities. Furthermore, the government has carried out further surveys and documentation of the Sekaran site. This survey aims to gain a deeper understanding of the history, archaeological uniqueness and cultural values contained in this site. Through archaeological methods and other scientific approaches, the data and information collected helps identify the historical layers at the Sekaran site, as well as uncovering the potential for further discoveries. Apart from that, the government has also allocated a budget to carry out routine monitoring and maintenance of the Sekaran site. Strict supervision is carried out to ensure that the site is maintained, does not experience damage or looting. Routine maintenance involves activities to maintain the physical site, care for artifacts, and handle environmental problems that may affect the cultural heritage site. This is done to maintain the authenticity and integrity of the Sekaran site so that it can continue to provide accurate information and understanding about the past. With this action, the government shows its commitment to protecting and preserving the Sekaran site as part of national cultural treasures. This effort aims to ensure that the site can be preserved and enjoyed by current and future generations. Figure 2. Sekaran Tourism Village Development Plan (Source: researcher document, 2023) In an interview with Kholifah (55), a neighbor who owns land around the Sekaran site, he proudly expressed his appreciation for the existence of this cultural heritage site. He realized the importance of preserving the Sekaran site as an inseparable part of cultural heritage that must be well maintained for future generations. According to Kholifah, the site has historical and cultural value that is very valuable for the local community and is also a valuable asset for the nation as a whole. Kholifah also expressed his appreciation for the steps taken by the government to maintain the integrity of the Sekaran site. He expressed his support for the government policy which has declared the site a legally protected cultural heritage site. For him, this step is clear proof that the government is serious about protecting and preserving the cultural heritage in this country. Apart from that, Kholifah hopes that public awareness will increase regarding the importance of preserving cultural heritage sites. He invited all parties, both the community and the government, to work together in protecting the Sekaran site and preserving this cultural heritage as in his words during an interview "I am very happy to have found the Sekaran site here because even though it is not finished yet, there are lots of residents, government, archaeologists and even students school came to visit. And I am happy because Sekaran Village now and in the future will be increasingly crowded with visitors, while waiting for the new road made by the Government." According to him, active participation from the community in monitoring and maintaining cultural heritage sites is very necessary to maintain the sustainability of these sites. Kholifah believes that preserving cultural heritage sites is not only the responsibility of the government, but is also the responsibility of all parties involved. He hopes that there will be collaborative efforts between the government, land owners, archaeologists and the community in maintaining the integrity of the Sekaran site. Only with solid cooperation and high collective awareness, the cultural heritage at the Sekaran site can be well maintained for a better future. He also expressed the Government's promise in an interview saying "later fishing ponds and swimming pools will also be built, becoming tourist attractions". In the context of agrarian law, there is a complex debate regarding which is more important, preserving the Sekaran cultural heritage site or the community's need for infrastructure development. Agrarian law recognizes the importance of protecting cultural heritage, including cultural heritage sites, as part of national wealth that must be preserved for the future. On the one hand, preserving cultural heritage sites is a legal obligation that must be complied with to safeguard the nation's cultural wealth. The Sekaran site has invaluable historical and cultural value, being a silent witness to past civilizations that needs to be preserved so that it can be passed on to future generations. Apart from that, preserving cultural heritage sites also has economic value, as a tourism attraction that can provide economic and social benefits for local communities. However, on the other hand, infrastructure development is also a community need that cannot be ignored. Infrastructure development is needed to improve the quality of life, improve accessibility, and encourage economic growth. In some cases, infrastructure projects may involve land that also includes the Sekaran cultural heritage site, resulting in a conflict between development needs and the preservation of the cultural site. Figure 4. The current condition of the site is still natural (Source: researcher document, 2023) To overcome this dilemma, it is important to find the right balance between the preservation of cultural heritage sites and infrastructure needs. This can be done through a holistic approach and good coordination between related parties, including the government, infrastructure developers, cultural institutions local communities. In this case, the need for clear and integrated policies is important. The policy should regulate procedures for recognizing land rights involving the Sekaran cultural and heritage site, establish boundaries and guidelines for infrastructure development around the site, and ensure strict monitoring and supervision to maintain the integrity of the site. Apart from that, active community participation and high public awareness of the importance of preserving cultural sites are also key factors. Through a participatory approach, the community can be involved in the decision-making process regarding the Sekaran cultural and infrastructure development that affects the site. In this way, a compromise can be heritage site sought that can meet the needs of the community while ensuring the preservation of this valuable cultural heritage site. Figure 5. Condition of the Sekaran Site which was previously planned to become the Malang Pandaan Toll Road (Source: researcher document, 2023) In the case of the discovery of the Sekaran site, the steps taken by the Government were appropriate. Where the land found within the Sekaran Site has been purchased by the Government with an agreement for infrastructure to be built on the Malang Pandaan Toll Road. As time goes by digging using Bego tools. Kholifa said that initially no one thought that a site would be found there. With the help of this heavy equipment, which initially only carried soil, a pile of bricks arranged to resemble a building was found. And at that time the Government took action to protect and preserve the Sekaran site by turning it 17.5 meters from the starting point of the construction of the Malang Pandaan Toll Road.

In recent decades, the Sekaran Site has attracted great attention the archaeological and historical communities, thanks to in-depth research into the lives of from the ancient people who once lived there. These research efforts succeeded in revealing more layers of history and artifacts that shed new light on past cultures and ways of life. The findings at the Sekaran Site are not only important as physical evidence of the existence of previous civilizations, but also as a source of knowledge that helps enrich our understanding of the origins and evolution of society in the region. Therefore, preserving the Sekaran Site is crucial, not only as a form of respect for cultural and historical heritage, but also as an effort to ensure that future generations can learn and appreciate the richness and complexity of the nation's history. This preservation activity is an essential step in maintaining the continuity of historical knowledge and strengthening cultural identity in global and local contextsIn the context of preserving the Sekaran Site, an interview with Kholifah, a land owner around the site, revealed the vital role of residents in conservation efforts. Kholifah, as a representative of the local community's awareness and pride in their cultural heritage, emphasized his support for the government's initiative in preserving these cultural heritage sites. This indicates the importance of collaboration between local stakeholders and the government in maintaining the sustainability of the Sekaran Site. The active role of citizens, as represented by Kholifah, is not only vital in the physical aspects of conservation but also in increasing public awareness of the value and importance of cultural heritage. This collaboration reflects an important synergy between local communities and government policy, both of which hold the key to success in keeping cultural heritage relevant for future generations. The discovery of the Sekaran Site in Sekarpuro Village, Pakis District, Malang Regency, has been welcomed with great enthusiasm by local residents, not only because of the government's attention to the community, but also because of the economic potential it promises. Anticipation of the operation of the Sekaran Tourism Village and the arrival of tourists is expected to contribute significantly to increasing local income. Local residents see this opportunity as a means to develop various businesses, ranging from parking services, food sales, to souvenir businesses. This expectation reflects the community's optimism regarding the positive influence that the preservation and development of historical sites can produce, not only in terms of cultural aspects but also beneficial economic impacts for the community. Therefore, the involvement of residents in supporting and utilizing the existence of the site as a tourist attraction is an important factor in driving the wheels of the local economy. The government's role in protecting and maintaining the Sekaran Site has become a key factor in efforts to preserve cultural heritage in the region. The government, recognizing the historical and cultural value of the Sekaran site, has officially declared the area a cultural heritage protected by law. This step is a manifestation of recognition of the importance of the site in the national historical and cultural canvas. In order to carry out this protection, a series of concrete actions have been carried out which include surveys, documentation, supervision and routine maintenance. These actions reflect the government's dedication to maintaining the integrity and continuity of the site as a source of knowledge and inspiration for current and future generations. Furthermore, the government has taken the initiative to not only protect, but also develop the Sekaran Site through the opening of the Sekaran Tourism Village. This development plan includes the construction of facilities that will enhance the tourist experience and provide economic opportunities for local residents, such as fishing ponds, fish ponds and food courts. This initiative is expected to increase regional and local community income through sustainable tourism activities. However, there are infrastructural challenges, especially related to location accessibility which is still limited. The location of the Sekaran Tourism Village, which is in the middle of rice fields and passes through residential areas, requires the construction of adequate roads to facilitate access. The government is currently still working on the process of building a road that will connect the area with the main transportation network. These efforts show that the government plays a strategic role in preserving and developing cultural heritage sites. Through an integrated approach, which combines legal protection, physical maintenance and economic development, the government seeks to ensure that cultural heritage such as the Sekaran Site can continue to provide benefits, both community. in educational, cultural and economic contexts, for the wider Table 1. Table of Procedures for Discovery of Sekaran Cultural Heritage Sites Question 1. Site discoveries are reported to the relevant agencies and the police 2. Site discoveries are reported before 30 days after they were first discovered 3. The relevant department grants research and excavation permits 4. Excavation and research are in accordance with procedures 5. 6. Result report available Site discovery has carried out further procedures 7. Carry out digital preservation of sites for cultural preservation Source: interview data It is already done S N R AR and analysis Ongoing v processed PERDA 1 TAHUN_2018 TENTANG_CAGAR_BUDAYA based Not done v on Within the agrarian law framework, there is a dilemma between preserving cultural heritage sites and the need for infrastructure development for community welfare. This issue highlights the important role of agrarian law in creating a balance between the sustainability of cultural heritage and developing development initiatives. Agrarian law is faced with the challenge of overcoming the conflict of interest between preserving the historical and cultural value ofland and the utility of that land for public interests and development. Therefore, agrarian law holds the key in establishing transparent and fair mechanisms, which not only provide protection to cultural heritage sites but also guarantee the fulfillment of community infrastructure needs. Thus, agrarian law must provide an effective framework for negotiation and compromise, as well as provide the necessary legal certainty for all parties involved in the development and conservation process. Figure 6. Current Site Discovery Flow (Source: researcher document, 2023) The Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia No. 1 of 2022 marks a significant step forward in the preservation and recognition of Cultural Heritage within the nation. This legislation underscores the state's commitment to protecting sites of historical, cultural, and archaeological importance, recognizing their value not only in terms of their contribution to national identity and heritage but also their potential to foster community engagement, tourism, and educational opportunities. Under this regulation, individuals or entities that discover, protect, and preserve Cultural Heritage sites are eligible for appropriate compensation. This approach incentivizes the discovery and reporting of such sites, aligning individual and community interests with broader national heritage preservation goals. Similarly, the regulation addresses the intersection of land ownership rights and cultural heritage preservation. Landowners who discover Cultural Heritage sites on their property are entitled to receive compensation at a rate commensurate with current market values. This provision ensures that the conservation of cultural heritage is not at odds with the property rights of landowners but rather integrates these concerns within a framework that respects both heritage preservation and private ownership. The case of the Malang Pandaan Toll Road illustrates the practical application of these principles. During the toll road's construction, workers uncovered bricks arranged in a manner suggestive of an archaeological site, distinct from the ordinary soil layers typically encountered during such excavations. This unexpected discovery prompted a halt in construction activities, leading to a collaboration between the construction team, law enforcement, and cultural heritage authorities to assess and preserve the site appropriately. The government's response to the discovery highlights the procedural framework established by the aforementioned regulation for handling such finds. By purchasing the land at a fair market price for infrastructure development, the government had already demonstrated a willingness to reconcile development needs with the protection of potential cultural heritage sites. The subsequent discovery of the arranged bricks triggered a series of actions aimed at preserving the newly identified Cultural Heritage site, emphasizing the importance of adaptive management and inter-departmental cooperation in heritage conservation. This approach to cultural heritage preservation in Indonesia serves multiple objectives. Firstly, it enhances the legal and procedural clarity for handling discoveries of cultural significance, thereby ensuring that such finds are managed in a way that respects both their historical value and the interests of landowners. Secondly, it promotes a balanced development strategy that integrates infrastructure growth with the preservation of the nation's cultural legacy. Lastly, by offering compensation and legal protection for sites of cultural heritage, the regulation fosters a sense of collective responsibility and encourages public participation in heritage conservation efforts. In essence, Indonesia's legal framework for cultural heritage preservation, as exemplified by the case of the Malang Pandaan Toll Road, showcases a comprehensive strategy that aligns development objectives with the imperative to safeguard the historical and cultural narratives of the nation. This model not only preserves the tangible remnants of the past but also enriches the cultural fabric of the present and future generations, offering lessons in the integration of heritage conservation within the broader spectrum of societal progress and development. Overall, this research underscores the pivotal role that citizens, the government, and agrarian law play in preserving the Sekaran cultural heritage site. The study showeases the indispensability of synergistic efforts among all stakeholders to ensure that infrastructure development harmonizes with cultural heritage conservation. The collaborative dynamics between local residents, government entities, infrastructure developers, and cultural advocates set a benchmark for managing cultural heritage sites amidst development pressures. Such partnerships underscore the significance of community involvement and stakeholder engagement in heritage preservation efforts. A robust and clear legal framework emerges as the cornerstone for safeguarding cultural heritage sites, governing sustainable land use, and facilitating the delicate balance between development needs and conservation imperatives. The Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia No. 1 of 2022 concerning the National Register and Preservation of Cultural Heritage exemplifies such legal underpinnings, providing mechanisms for compensation and land acquisition that respect both cultural heritage and property rights. Remarkably, the Sekaran site's preservation process, affected by the construction of the Malang Pandaan Toll Road, demonstrates how proactive and responsive legal, community, and administrative actions can prevent conflicts and foster mutual understanding and respect for cultural values. The discovery of historically significant bricks during the toll road construction not only halted the development temporarily but also activated a commendable cooperation framework. This framework involved reporting the find to authorities, ensuring the preservation of the heritage site, and adjusting development plans to accommodate the site's protection. The absence of conflict in this scenario is noteworthy, highlighting the effectiveness of communication, negotiation, and adherence to legal standards. This cooperative model illustrates the potential for integrating cultural heritage preservation within modern development projects without sacrificing the interests of any party. It underscores the importance of a preemptive and inclusive approach to managing heritage sites, where the early involvement of all stakeholders can identify and mitigate potential issues before they escalate. In essence, the successful preservation of the Sekaran cultural heritage site amidst infrastructure development projects offers valuable lessons in collaborative governance, legal stewardship, and community engagement. It presents a replicable model for balancing development with cultural preservation, ensuring that heritage sites continue to enrich future generations while accommodating contemporary societal needs. This approach not only safeguards the physical remnants of history but also maintains the intangible cultural narratives and identities that are pivotal to societal cohesion and identity.

The conclusion of this research is that the preservation of cultural heritage sites is an important step in maintaining cultural heritage. Various cultural heritage sites that have been discovered have been restored and maintained through digital preservation for ease of long-term and future access. The discovery of the Sekaran site in Lesanpuro Malang is a dilemma because this discovery began with the construction of the Pakis toll road. From a cultural perspective, this site must be maintained. However, from an Agrarian Law perspective, toll road construction is one of the community's rights in accordance with Law number 2 of 2012 article 10 (b), namely that in the construction of toll road infrastructure, land acquisition for the public interest applies. Therefore, the Ministry of PUPR and the Malang Regency Government took a middle path by changing the direction of the toll road by turning around the area where the Sekaran site was discovered. Apart from that, the discovery of the Sekaran site has not yet carried out further restoration. So, there is still no progress regarding this matter. In the future, it is hoped that preservation at the Sekaran site can be continued by collaborating with several related parties. This preservation is also carried out to the level of digital preservation so that access to the site is easier, longer term, and will remain in the future.