Born: 7 October 1920 (Buitenzorg, now Bogor)
Died: 26 February 1988
Biography:
Satyawati Suleiman (7 October 1920 – 26 February 1988) was an Indonesian historian and archaeologist who made significant contributions to the field of Indonesian archaeology. Considered a pioneer in her field, she was one of the first women to pursue a career in archaeology in Indonesia, and the first female archaeology graduate from the University of Indonesia.
Suleiman was born on 7 October 1920 in Bogor, which was then known as Buitenzorg. She was the daughter of a Sundanese bupati (regent). Her early education included studying under Dutch Professor Bernet Kempers. However, her academic pursuits were interrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War and the Japanese invasion of the Dutch East Indies in 1942.
Despite the disruptions caused by the war, Suleiman’s passion for archaeology persisted. After the war, she joined Indonesia’s Archaeological Service in 1948 and later enrolled in the University of Indonesia to pursue a degree in archaeology. In 1953, she became the first female graduate in archaeology from the university.
During the early 1950s, Suleiman participated in multiple archaeological expeditions to South Sumatra and Jambi, which were pioneering research efforts into the ancient Srivijaya state. Her dedication and expertise made her a valuable asset to these expeditions, and her contributions to the field of Indonesian archaeology were highly regarded.
In 1955, Suleiman had the opportunity to meet with French researcher Louis-Charles Damais, who provided her with a copy of George Cœdès’ book, The Indianized States of Southeast Asia. This encounter inspired her to plan an Indonesian archaeological mission to India, offering Damais a spot in the expedition. However, the mission was ultimately canceled.
In 1958, Suleiman was appointed as a cultural attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi, India. She served in this role for three years before moving to the London Embassy, where she continued her work as an attaché from 1961 to 1963.
Returning to Indonesia after her time abroad, Suleiman joined the National Archaeological Institute under the guidance of Soekmono. She headed the classical archaeology department from 1963 to 1973. In 1973, when Soekmono was assigned to the restoration of the Borobudur Temple, Suleiman assumed the role of chairman of the institute until 1977. During her tenure, the organization was divided into two separate bodies, one focused on research and studies and the other on restorations and protection, due to the increasing workload.
Even after her tenure as chairman ended, Suleiman remained a dedicated researcher at the National Archaeological Institute until 1985. She also held a prominent position as a member of the Governing Board of SEAMEO SPAFA (Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization – Regional Centre for Archaeology and Fine Arts). From this position, she launched a program to promote Srivijayan archaeology in Southeast Asia, organizing workshops in Indonesia and Thailand.
Suleiman specialized in the study of iconography and possessed extensive knowledge of archaeological artifacts found in Sumatra and Java. Her expertise and enthusiasm for archaeological expeditions outside Jakarta were widely acknowledged and appreciated.
Satyawati Suleiman’s contribution to Indonesian archaeology was significant, as she pioneered research efforts on the Srivijaya state and paved the way for future generations of female archaeologists in Indonesia. Her dedication to the field and her invaluable knowledge continue to inspire and guide archaeological studies in Southeast Asia.