analysis of data could be found in the series Berita Dinas Purbakala [Newsletter of the Archaeological Service]. More Indonesian scholars became involved in prehistoric, classical, and Islamic archaeology, and staff in the building sections were supplemented with Indonesian personnel and placed under Indonesian management. Professional courses for Indonesian archaeologists began at the Universities of Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Denpasar, ensuring an ongoing Indonesian participation in the discipline.

When Dutch archaeologists returned to Holland after Indonesia’s political independence, archaeological activities slowed down because of a shortage of appropriate Indonesian personnel. Although the operating budget for archaeology was minimal, Indonesian archaeologists, charged with the task of continuing the work of the OD, remained committed to the importance of Indonesian archaeology. Ironically, just at the time when more Indonesian archaeologists were beginning fieldwork and the science of archaeology was advancing rapidly, political circumstances in Indonesia made their lives and work difficult. Much effort was expended to fill gaps in the archaeological record and, with limited resources, to try to keep up with the many changes in archaeology and within the archaeological profession at an international level. Contact with international circles was maintained by means of regional and international conferences, publications in international media, and participation in joint archaeological programs with foreign teams.

Dutch archaeologists made significant contributions to the archaeology of Indonesia, and they were responsible for the establishment of Indonesia as an important area of archaeological research in Southeast Asia. In spite of many shortcomings, Dutch archaeologists laid the foundations for the further development of archaeology in Indonesia. Their most significant oversight was their failure to educate a cadre of Indonesian archaeologists to succeed them. (This was the case in many other ex-colonies in Southeast and south asia as well.) At independence, there was no leadership and little expertise in archaeology among the Indonesian people. Dutch archaeologists had concentrated on developing technical staff to support their interests and fieldwork, and it was only these staff members who had received any education or training. Consequently, the archaeological infrastructure and focus bequeathed by the Dutch to Indonesia was outside the capabilities and interests of the Indonesian people.

It is important to note that prior to World War II, the Dutch discovery of Indonesian archaeological evidence contributed to the development of an Indonesian identity and to Indonesian nationalism, and Dutch archaeological literature and research remain important parts of Indonesia’s archaeology. In 1956, the small number of Indonesian archaeologists left to shoulder the archaeological burden of the country found it almost impossible to carry out administrative and organizational tasks and also to conduct field and scientific research. Funding, facilities, and resources for archaeology declined to levels below those provided for it before World War II.

1956–1975

During this period, although archaeology in Indonesia remained complex and vast, and despite a lack of resources, the discipline matured and produced professional and high quality results. The Lembaga Purbakala dan Peninggalan Nasional (National Institutes of Archaeology and Antiquities, the former Archaeological Service) was set up with four field or branch offices. The provision of minimal facilities and funding, for both the central and the branch offices, meant that planned archaeological fieldwork, such as surveys, excavations, and restorations, was difficult to accomplish. Between 1956 and 1975, little fieldwork took place, and documentation, registration, reports, and scientific article writing all stagnated. Factors such as the system of government, politics, and socioeconomics, and the small higher-education system, meant that archaeology in Indonesia continued to develop slowly.

But there were some achievements, including the designation and restoration of the Borobudur Temple as a national project supported with special funds, the implementation