The 2025 UISPP Inter-Congress ‘Asian Prehistory Today: Bridging Science, Heritage and Development’ opened on October 27 in Salatiga, Indonesia, attracting leading archaeologists, anthropologists, and historians from 39 countries worldwide. Hosted in Salatiga, Central Java—a vibrant cultural hub—the congress spans until November 6. It features keynote speeches, workshops, thematic sessions, and field trips to significant archaeological sites, including UNESCO World Heritage locations such as Sangiran and Ullen Sentalu Museum in Yogyakarta. The event highlights Southeast Asia’s rich prehistoric heritage and serves as a platform for fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, who emphasized the significance of shared prehistory as a bridge connecting science, heritage, and development across Asia and globally. He also announced the upcoming return to Indonesia of the Java Man (Homo erectus) fossil, repatriated from the Netherlands after more than a century of absence, a gesture hailed as a symbolic victory for the country's cultural sovereignty.
Local leaders, including Salatiga’s mayor, heralded the congress as a moment that reinforces the city’s identity as a ‘City of Harmony’ and a key participant in global scholarly discourse. UISPP President Jacek Kabaciński praised the participation of delegates from across the globe, expressing hopes for a successful, productive conference. The congress venues include Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana, Museum Manusia Purba Sangiran, and several UNESCO heritage sites, embodying a fusion of research, cultural preservation, and education.