Cultural Heritage Protection in the Digital Era from Indonesian Legal Perspective: Strategies for Preservation and Responsible Access

Abstract: Digital technology continues to advance rapidly, and without appropriate preservation efforts, cultural heritage may be at risk of being forgotten or deteriorated in the digital era. In the absence of adequate protection strategies, cultural heritage faces potential exploitation through unethical use or misuse for commercial purposes. Ensuring equitable and inclusive access to cultural heritage via digital platforms is essential to support education, research, and broader cultural appreciation. This study seeks to understand recent developments in cultural heritage preservation within the context of digitalization and to evaluate the effectiveness of protection strategies implemented in legal practice at both national and international levels. Thus, this research aims to contribute to a richer understanding of the challenges and opportunities for preserving cultural heritage in the digital age, particularly through a legal lens. Employing a literature study with a normative legal approach, the research identifies effective legal frameworks for protecting cultural heritage, enabling in-depth analysis of existing frameworks, and provides insights into potential improvements needed to strengthen cultural heritage protection through legal means.