Banda Aceh, October 20, 2023 – Volunteers from the Research Center for Social and Cultural Studies (PRISB) Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) embarked on a meaningful journey through Balai Arsip Statis dan Tsunami (BAST) of the National Archives of the Republic of Indonesia (ANRI) in Banda Aceh. This expedition was part of the PRISB Tour under the theme ‘History and Culture,’ dedicated to engaging young individuals interested in the history and culture of Aceh.

Led by volunteer coordinator Alfi Risky Rahmanda, nine enthusiastic volunteers participated in the tour, warmly welcomed by the archivists at ANRI BAST, who also served as guides throughout the event. The primary objective of the PRISB Tour was to enhance participants’ understanding of the tasks and functions of ANRI-BAST, particularly concerning the processing of static archives and those related to the tsunami. Understanding archives management is crucial for the younger generation to preserve records for the present and the future. In the era of Industry 4.0, digital archives pose a unique challenge, and ANRI BAST is committed to maintaining and managing these digital records.

Beyond exploring existing archives, the volunteers discussed tsunami memory archive sites in the Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar areas. ANRI-BAST archivists presented several findings related to the condition of various Tsunami Monument Memorials scattered throughout these regions. Activities like this archival tour can encourage the youth to be more mindful of history and actively contribute to preserving the memory of disasters through archival initiatives.