Aims and objectives
In present-day Yogyakarta are two eminent kingdoms and heirs to the Islamic Mataram legacy: Kraton Jogja and Pura Pakualaman. While it is well-known that Yogyakarta’s manuscripts were largely created within the palace confines, the existence of literary works beyond the regal precincts is significant and noteworthy. EAP1628 focuses on the manuscripts composed and preserved outside the palace precincts. These documents have not received much public attention and are often exceedingly fragile. Authored by significant figures in Yogyakarta’s local history and palace dignitaries, these manuscripts offer profound historical insights. Distinguished by their handwritten nature, many manuscripts exhibit exquisite illuminations and encapsulate texts of paramount informational significance, spanning religious discourse, traditional art and literary compositions. Written in Javanese, Arabic, and Malay language, with Pegon, Javanese, and Latin script, there are about 160 manuscripts (approximately 45,000 pages) with some dating far back as 1800 CE.
Outcomes
A total of 147 bundles of manuscripts and books, comprising 47,563 images, have been digitised, surpassing the initial target of 45,000 photographs. The digitisation work has been fully completed across three regions: Gunungkidul Regency (Mr Bardi Collection, Mr Kasno Collection, Mr Nur Muhammad Rosyid Ridlo Collection, and Mr Sakiyo Collection); Sleman Regency (Mrs Gita Indriyastuti Collection, and Mr Harjuna Priya Husada Collection); and Yogyakarta City (Dewantara Kirti Griya Tamansiswa Museum, and Mr Antonius Suparnjo Collection). The number of target areas and owners was reduced from the initial ten to seven. The digitisation of the collections belonging to Mr Rahadi Saptata Abra and Mr Saiful Anwar had to be postponed, despite their strong enthusiasm. For these three owners, we carried out surveys and cataloguing of their collections only. We also had to prioritise those owners who were ready to have their collections digitised immediately. Following further physical assessments, eight collections were successfully digitised, thus meeting the original target.
In line with our initial objectives, manuscripts from all ten owners were recorded and subjected to cleaning and preservation. Severely damaged manuscripts underwent restoration, including patching and rebinding. Beyond this, we continue to support the owners by monitoring the condition of fragile manuscripts that have already been digitised, ensuring their physical preservation. Although this first phase of the digitisation programme has concluded, we remain open to further engagement, enabling manuscript owners to seek advice, learn, and collaborate in safeguarding the cultural heritage passed down by their ancestors.
All digitised manuscripts remain in the hands of their respective owners. By keeping the manuscripts in their places of origin, they continue to serve as artefacts that testify to the enduring roots of local culture. This ensures that the surrounding communities, as well as the wider world, may continue to study manuscript traditions and engage directly with the owners. At the same time, digital access allows anyone to consult the texts for scholarly purposes.
Initially, the digital copies were provided only to two institutions: the Library of UIN Sunan Kalijaga and the Office of Cultural Affairs of Sleman Regency. Subsequently, it was decided that copies would also be deposited with the National Library of Indonesia and the Regional Library and Archives Office of Yogyakarta Province. The management and provision of access to these digital materials are entrusted entirely to each institution. In addition, the manuscript owners themselves will each receive a copy of their respective collections.
This project has provided a meaningful experience for members of the Jangkah Nusantara Community, students, library staff, cultural office personnel, and the manuscript owners themselves. Through direct engagement, participants have gained not only a deeper understanding of the intellectual and historical significance of manuscripts but also an awareness of their fragility and the necessity of sustained care. The digitisation process has created a shared space for learning, enabling diverse groups—who might not otherwise have collaborated—to exchange perspectives on the safeguarding of knowledge traditions. Thus, the project’s value lies not merely in the production of digital surrogates, but also in the fostering of collaborative networks and the growth of a collective commitment to preserving manuscripts as an essential part of cultural memory.
The following methodology report was submitted as part of the project's outputs:
