Trowulan, the capital city of the Majapahit Kingdom (1293–1527), was designated as a National Cultural Conservation Area in 2013. Despite this, Trowulan continues to face threats of vandalism and the destruction of cultural heritage due to various disputes and debates spanning from its historical past to the present. Furthermore, the structuring of these debates serves as the basis for a conservation model aimed at managing conflict in heritage preservation efforts. This paper explores the historical trajectory of Trowulan, from its establishment to its current conservation challenges. Drawing upon historical manuscripts, archaeological findings, and policy analysis, the study maps Trowulan’s cultural significance through three core aspects: identity, memory, and socio-cultural meaning. It highlights the threats posed by urbanization, policy gaps, and non-intact cultural heritage, while proposing innovative conservation strategies that incorporate non-physical dimensions and community engagement. The findings underscore the importance of integrating historical significance with contemporary values to ensure sustainable heritage management and reinforce Trowulan’s role as a symbol of Indonesia’s cultural legacy. Trowulan no longer regards cultural heritage merely as a single object. Instead, in terms of its benefit to the surrounding community and environment, cultural heritage must be considered part of the broader landscape. Conservation in Trowulan is not limited to tangible aspects, but must also take into consideration intangible dimensions, which are essential to managing the area and its surroundings—especially at sites where physical heritage is no longer intact. Trowulan’s cultural significance lies in its identity, memory, and socio-cultural significance. Therefore, it is essential to include perspectives that involve non-physical dimensions, community perceptions, and environmental considerations as legitimizing factors for the conservation and management of cultural heritage in Trowulan.