Paskalis Andrianus Nani

Indonesia is home to over 1,300 ethnic groups and a vast array of cultural expressions — from oral traditions, rituals, and festivals to traditional crafts and musical instruments. Despite this extraordinary diversity, technological advancements and globalisation have contributed to the gradual erosion of cultural heritage, particularly among Generation Z, who are most immersed in global digital culture.

Paskalis's research develops a framework for an intelligent social media platform designed to preserve and promote local culture, beginning with Sumba Island in East Nusa Tenggara — known for its Marapu belief system, the Pasola tradition, and intricate hand-woven fabrics (ikat). The platform serves as both a digital portal and a living archive, empowering communities, traditional elders, and government bodies to document, protect, and share cultural knowledge across generations.

The research draws on software engineering methods — including requirements engineering and intelligent system design — to ensure that the platform genuinely serves the needs of its target communities. Facilitating intergenerational knowledge transfer in a form that resonates with younger users, while remaining respectful of traditional custodians and protocols, is a central design challenge. This project represents a compelling case study in how software engineering can serve social and cultural goals beyond commercial applications.