Current Watch Site

Because of these challenges, Desa Lingga was included on the 2012 World Monuments Watch, resulting in the development of a collaborative project to preserve four remaining structures, engaging the local community of Desa Lingga, the Sumatra Heritage Trust, St. Thomas University, and World Monuments Fund, with support from the Prince Claus Fund. (...)

Because of these challenges, Desa Lingga was included on the 2012 World Monuments Watch, resulting in the development of a collaborative project to preserve four remaining structures, engaging the local community of Desa Lingga, the Sumatra Heritage Trust, St. Thomas University, and World Monuments Fund, with support from the Prince Claus Fund. This effort will conserve four traditional structures, including two communal houses (Gerga and Belangayo), a bone storage structure (Geritan), and a rice storage structure (Sapo Ganjang). Documentation and training are integrated into the conservation program to ensure traditional construction knowledge of the village elders is passed on to a new generation. St. Thomas University students will record the process so that documentation can be shared with others in the future. Oral histories, elementary school projects, and other community activities will assure a broad range of participants in the program. Long-term capacity to care for the structures and viable, sustainable uses for them is critical for their continuing survival.