Forensic archeology is defined as the application of archaeological principles and
techniques in medico-legal and/or humanity context related to buried evidence. Forensic
archaeologist has two roles, as the expert who unearth buried objects systematically and
reconstruct them. This paper discusses the role of archeology and archaeologists in the excavation
of criminal, humanitarian and disaster victims. Archaeologist?s role to reveal
paleoanthropological materials smuggled and theft is also discussed in this paper. Humanitarian
missions to investigate mass grave of victims of war, political strife and genocide in the past and
the present are other archaeologist?s role discussed in this paper.
The existence, condition and development of forensic archaeology in Indonesia
emphasize the significance of new paradigm in Indonesian archaeology. Forensic archeology not
merely focusess on the study of cultural materials of the past, education and museum
development, cultural resource management and its advocacy, but it also has role in medico-legal
works. Forensic archaeologist also engages in disaster victim identification (DVI) that addresses
issues related to victims buried by either natural or human disasters.
