DJOKO Utomo
Special Project,
Accession Number 003545
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 2
Total Reels
- Nur Azlin bte Salem
Interviewer
- 01:36:51
Total Running Time
- Bahasa Indonesia
Language
Copyright Notice
All rights to the recordings and transcripts on this website, including the rights to copy, publish, broadcast and perform, are reserved. Written permission is required for any use. If you have any queries, please contact nas@nlb.gov.sg
Reel/Disc 1 of 2
Metadata
- 12 Jul 2010
Recording Date
- 00:58:11
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
* Interviewee revealed that he had no intention of joining the archival profession. Circumstances that led him to join Arsip Nasional Republik Indonesia (ANRI). Received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Gadjamada University, Yogyakarta. In 1972, when he was pursuing his studies in University of Indonesia, he learnt that ANRI was recruiting. He also learnt from then ANRI Director General, Ibu Sumartini, that ANRI officers have opportunities to be sent overseas for training in archives management. In 1973, he began to develop interest in archives management. He was asked to help the record management programs. 1976, he went to the Netherlands for training. He shared that he joined ANRI for three reasons: firstly, circumstantial; secondly because archives form the primary sources for historical writing/studies; and thirdly, because it was not an explored field at that time. The latter encouraged him to immerse himself in the working of the archives. Attended a one-year programme at State School for Archives (RAS) in Utrecht, 1976. Internship at the National Archives of Netherlands. As a youth, interviewee felt very thankful at the opportunity given for him to learn and develop himself.
Interviewee was officiated in the Netherlands by the Indonesian ambassador as Head of Repository in Bogor. He shared that he enjoys reading. Interviewee was given high-level and important assignments although his rank in ANRI was still low but he welcomed the challenges and opportunities and was happy that Ibu Sumartini had faith in him. He found it necessary to change the Indonesian public opinion of archivists. One of his principles is that one must seek opportunity and not wait for it to come. He shared his favourite speech by John F. Kennedy, 'Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country'. He also highlighted the importance of sincerity in doing one's work and tied it to Islam. He cited professionalism, competency, commitment and dedication, intergrity and passion for one's work as important recipe for one to enjoy one's profession.
Reflections on his appointment as DG ANRI. Challenges faced. One of his challenges was how to sell his idea. Importance of 'personal approach' to get approval, etc, in Indonesia. Shortage of manpower. Improving staff welfare. Interviewee shared how he convinced the government to raise his staff's salaries. Implemented the 'Reward and Punish' system. Promoting religious and racial harmony among staff through weekly sports. Breaking rank barriers.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 2 of 2
Metadata
- 12 Jul 2010
Recording Date
- 00:38:40
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
* Promoting image of the region through a programme called 'Citra Daerah' and 'Citra Nusantara'. Interviewee shared that although Indonesia lost the claim over Pulau Sipadan to Malaysia, the case has brought the importance of the Archives forward. He shared that as an archivist, he has sat on several important committees. He sat on the focal point on the Indonesian side of UNTAET - United Nations Transitional Administration for East Timor. He was also a member of the drafting committee for the province of Papua and also helped in the drafting of the Freedom of Information Act. After the tsunami, he helped structure an article for the Act of Disaster and Recover Plan. Interviewee travelled to the various provinces, met with politicians and gave lectures to civil servants from other ministries to educate them about archival work. Importance of networking.
Interviewee gave each region a car equipped with a 42 inch television so that they would be able to disseminate the region and nation's history to the various provinces while at the same time educating the people of the importance of archives. He shared how he was inspired by National Archives of Singapore (NAS) conversion of the Fort Factory and an old bungalow on Bukit Chandhu into interactive museums. He learnt from NAS and introduced a Diorama in ANRI. Sending staff for overseas training.
Interviewee said he always told his staff that Arsip Nasional Republik Indonesia (ANRI) must always be recognised nationally - in all the indonesian regions, among politicians and ordinary Indonesians - He shared 3 means of achieving this, firstly, through the Diorama, history of the nation; secondly, 'arsip masuk desa' that is, bringing archives to the villages; and through holding Southeast Asia Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (SARBICA) meetings in the various regions.
Interviewee shared his most interesting collaboration with NAS. He confessed that sometimes he is ashamed that ANRI could not meet with NAS enthusiasm.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
