My research in vernacular architecture highlights the cultural, social, and environmental significance of traditional dwellings in Eastern Indonesia, particularly in regions like East Nusa Tenggara, including Sumba and Flores. His projects, such as “Research on Rebuilding Ceremonial House in Nggela, Eastern Indonesia” and “Traditional Houses and Cultural Expressions: An Ethnography of The Lio House Central Flores,” delve into the architectural techniques, materials, and designs that define these structures, exploring their role in embodying local knowledge, cultural identity, and environmental sustainability. Through a focus on how these buildings facilitate community cohesion and cultural continuity, Wicaksono’s work uncovers the intricate connections between vernacular architecture and the socio-cultural fabric of indigenous communities.

My investigation extends to the socio-economic and environmental dimensions that influence and are influenced by vernacular architecture. His involvement in the “Socio-Cultural Assessment for the Desa Adat Revitalization Assistance Program in Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara,” for example, showcases his commitment to understanding the sustainability of traditional architectural practices amidst modernization and environmental changes. By examining the adaptive strategies of communities to preserve their architectural heritage while facing contemporary challenges, Wicaksono’s research provides critical insights into the preservation, adaptation, and evolution of vernacular architecture in Indonesia, advocating for the protection and appreciation of indigenous architectural heritage in a rapidly changing world.

The exploration into handwoven textiles is a significant theme of my research, focusing on their cultural significance, production processes, and socio-economic implications within indigenous communities in Eastern Indonesia. His projects, such as the “Handwoven Textile Ecosystem Social Mapping in Western, Eastern, and Central Sumba,” and “Ikat Handwoven Textiles of Lio-Nggela, Central Flores: Traditions, Developments, and Dynamics,” offer a comprehensive analysis of the intricate weaving techniques, patterns, and the symbolic meanings encapsulated within these textiles. Through these studies, Wicaksono delves into how these textiles are not just articles of clothing or decor but are potent symbols of identity, heritage, and continuity within the communities that produce them, highlighting the interweaving of cultural expression with material craftsmanship.

The geographical focus of my research on handwoven textiles spans across the culturally rich and diverse landscapes of Sumba and Flores in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. His work underscores the importance of these textiles in the social, economic, and ritual lives of the communities, examining the impact of external influences such as tourism and modernization on traditional weaving practices. Through his research, Wicaksono aims to preserve and revitalise these traditional textile arts, advocating for sustainable development practices that support local artisans and their communities. His contributions illuminate the complex dynamics of tradition and transformation within the textile industries of Eastern Indonesia, offering insights into the preservation of cultural heritage through the lens of material culture.