Yogyakarta, March 23, 2024 – In order to broaden their insights and knowledge of cryptography history in Indonesia, students of discrete mathematics from the Mathematics Department of Universitas Gadjah Mada organized an educational visit to the Sandi Museum. Located at Jalan F.M. Noto No. 21, Kotabaru, the museum stands in a historically significant area dating back to colonial times, where Kotabaru District began its development in 1920 as a settlement for Europeans.
The activity was enthusiastically attended by students, who gathered at 9:50 in the morning and commenced promptly at 10:05 with guidance from the museum staff. During the orientation, students were introduced to a video showcasing the history of cryptography in Indonesia, featuring various encryption techniques throughout history, including the Caesar cipher, which forms the basis of classical cryptography.
To maximize the learning experience, students were divided into two groups, allowing them to receive more detailed and interactive explanations from the museum staff. The Sandi Museum itself houses an extensive collection documenting the history of cryptography worldwide and specifically in Indonesia, including cipher equipment used during Dutch Military Aggression I and II.
A significant moment during the visit was learning about the establishment of Indonesia’s secret news security institution by the father of Indonesian Cryptography, Dr. Roebiono Kertopati. On the first floor, students delved into classical cryptography and the history of cryptography in Indonesia, including the discovery and manufacturing of cipher machines by Indonesia.
The learning then moved to the second floor and focused on the leadership legacy in cryptography in Indonesia and the cipher equipment used throughout history. This activity not only provided students with new knowledge about cryptography and encryption but also strengthened their appreciation for the history and technological advancements of cryptography in Indonesia.
The educational visit of discrete mathematics students to the Sandi Museum not only provided insights into cryptography history but also implicitly supported several relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This activity supported SDG 4 (Quality Education) by reinforcing formal education through experiential learning. Additionally, it also supported SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through learning about innovations in cryptography and encryption, as well as the technologies used.
Learning about the establishment of Indonesia’s secret news security institution highlighted the importance of strong institutions in maintaining national security and stability. By understanding the role of these institutions, students can better comprehend the importance of peace and justice in society, aligning with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
Through this visit, students not only expanded their knowledge of cryptography and encryption but also contributed to the achievement of several important Sustainable Development Goals for a better future. It is hoped that this visit will motivate students to further explore and understand the field of cryptography, which plays a crucial role in information and communication security in the current digital era.
Keywords: Cryptography, National Cipher, Educational Visit
Author: Uha Isnaini
Editor: Endang Sulastri & M. Fahruli
Photographer: Uha Isnaini