In October 2025, a representative from Wikimedia Indonesia participated in the GLAM Wiki Conference 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. The conference brought together Wikimedians, cultural practitioners, and technologists to discuss collaboration between the Wikimedia movement and galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAM) with a focus on open knowledge and data.
The representative participated in the Technology Lightning Talks, a format designed for sharing focused experiences and ideas. This provided a significant opportunity for Wikimedia Indonesia to contribute Indonesian perspectives to global discussions.
Representing Wikimedia Indonesia
During a presentation titled “Maintaining and Reusing Cultural Heritage Data with Wikidata: Experience from Wikimedia Indonesia,” the representative detailed how Wikimedia Indonesia supports data contribution and maintenance. This includes WikiLatih Wikidata workshops, Datathons, and a Data Visualization Competition. Efforts to engage academics through outreach and the Wikidata Research Fund were also highlighted.
Following the presentation, discussions were held with Sandra, a Wikimedian from the Netherlands, regarding potential collaboration on cultural data related to the Nyah Lasem Museum in Indonesia. A conversation with Tiago, a Wikimedian from Brazil, focused on the use of Wikidata in academic research.
Challenges and Opportunities in Data Access
The conference also revealed contrasts in data accessibility. While many countries demonstrate increasing openness from cultural and knowledge institutions, Indonesia faces challenges in building lasting partnerships. Authoritative data in Indonesia remains fragmented and often inaccessible due to bureaucratic processes.
The Role of Knowledge Institutions in the Age of AI
A key takeaway from the conference centered on the role of knowledge institutions in combating “AI slop”—low-quality content generated by artificial intelligence. Greg Leppert from the Harvard Institutional Data Initiative explained how unchecked AI-generated content can create a cycle of degradation. However, Leppert also demonstrated how human curation and review can improve AI-generated results, leveraging technology to extract knowledge from imperfect sources.
In Indonesia, creating centralized and authoritative data sources remains a significant hurdle due to factors like frequent government restructuring, fragmented data ownership, and the perception of data as a commodity. Building coalitions and promoting open data awareness are seen as potential approaches.
Looking Ahead
Participating in the GLAM Wiki 2025 reaffirmed the value of international exchange for Wikimedia affiliates like Wikimedia Indonesia. The connections and insights gained in Lisbon are expected to inform future efforts to maintain and reuse cultural heritage data in an open, collaborative, and locally relevant manner. Strengthening collaborations with data-holding institutions and universities is a potential next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GLAM Wiki Conference?
The GLAM Wiki Conference 2025, held in Lisbon, Portugal, brought together Wikimedians, cultural practitioners, and technologists to discuss collaboration between the Wikimedia movement and galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAM).
What is “AI slop”?
“AI slop” refers to content produced by artificial intelligence without sufficient curation, which can then be reused by other AI systems, leading to a cycle of degraded information quality.
What challenges does Wikimedia Indonesia face?
Wikimedia Indonesia faces challenges in building lasting partnerships and accessing authoritative data, which is often fragmented and inaccessible due to bureaucratic processes and institutional silos.
How might the insights from the GLAM Wiki Conference impact Wikimedia Indonesia’s future work?
