T
he lecturers of the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Brawijaya (FTUB) Malang, have created an exciting innovation to support cultural heritage-based tourism in Kampoeng Heritage Kayutangan, Malang City. Through an application called ARchive, tourists can now explore historical architecture more interactive and immersively.
The ARchive application is the result of collaboration between FTUB lecturer Dr. Eng. Ir. Herry Santosa, ST., MT., Ph.D., IPM., the Faculty of Vocational Studies, the Faculty of Computer Science, and PT Wolftagon Future Innovation as a technology partner.
Harnessing Augmented Reality (AR) technology with a Storytelling Learning concept, this application serves as a virtual tour guide, enriching the tourist experience with historical narratives and detailed information about the architecture of cultural heritage buildings.
During a forum discussion held at the Prof. Ir. Suryono Auditorium, FTUB, on Wednesday (11/12/2024), the application was presented as a promising prototype. The event involved Malang City Government representatives, cultural heritage activists, and technology experts to enhance the application’s features.
Dr. Herry explained that the primary goal of developing ARchive is to preserve the cultural heritage assets of Kampoeng Heritage Kayutangan. With AR-based avatars, users can enjoy the detailed historical stories of each building, including architectural features and unique ornaments.
“This storytelling concept enables tourists to understand the narratives behind historical buildings in a more engaging way,” explained the Vice Dean for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Student Entrepreneurship.
The application is also connected to a supporting website that provides additional information about heritage buildings, including their names, history, and the unique stories behind them. This information is gathered through direct interviews with building owners or local cultural experts.
Currently, the application prototype is in the testing phase, covering 10 cultural heritage sites in Kampoeng Heritage Kayutangan. Through further discussions, FTUB plans to expand the scope of objects and refine features to provide users with a more comprehensive experience.
The development of this application began in 2019, with a target for official launch in 2025. In the near future, the app will be registered on Google Play Store, complete with a coin management system designed to support local tourism awareness groups (Pokdarwis).
“Through this system, we hope the application will not only provide education but also economic benefits for the local community,” said the FTUB Architecture lecturer.
As an institution committed to sustainable innovation, FTUB hopes that ARchive will serve as a model for integrating technology and culture to advance the tourism sector while preserving Indonesia’s valuable architectural heritage.
