The Tilik Tulakan UGM Community Service Program (KKN-PPM UGM) Period 2 of 2026 carried out one of its work programs, entitled Archaeology Goes to School: Introduction to and Practice of Rock Art-Making. Initiated by Miskah Mumtaazah, an undergraduate student of Archaeology, the program aimed to introduce archaeology and cultural heritage to younger generations through an educational and interactive learning activity. The activity was held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at SDN 02 Padi, Tulakan District, Pacitan Regency, East Java, and was attended by second-grade elementary school students.
The activity began with an introduction to rock art. The material was presented in a simple manner and adapted to the students’ age and level of understanding. Students were introduced to the definition of rock art, its purposes, its significance in the past, the media used to create it, its impact and relevance today, as well as various forms of rock art found at archaeological sites, particularly in Indonesia. The learning session was delivered interactively by encouraging students to participate in discussions and answer simple questions. This approach created an enjoyable learning atmosphere and encouraged active participation throughout the activity. The students showed great enthusiasm, especially when they had the opportunity to create handprints and decorate tote bags according to their own creativity.
Through the Archaeology Goes to School program, the second-grade students of SDN 02 Padi are expected to gain new knowledge and experiences about rock art as part of the cultural heritage of the past. Introducing cultural heritage at an early age can help foster curiosity, awareness, and appreciation for the heritage found in their surroundings. Furthermore, this activity serves as an effort to instill an understanding that cultural heritage is an important part of human history that deserves to be recognized, appreciated, protected, and preserved by every generation.
