150 Thousand Manuscripts of Nusantara Threatened to be Damaged, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon Requests Manassa Gas Certification and Database

Fadli Zon menilai pekerjaan besar ada pada data, sumber daya manusia, dan skema penyelamatan yang konsisten—bukan sekadar wacana. (IST)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Culture has opened a space for collaboration with the Nusantara Pernaskahan Society (Manassa) to save the Nusantara Manuscripts that are still scattered, many have not been recorded, and are prone to damage. Minister of Culture Fadli Zon assessed that the big work is on data, human resources, and a consistent rescue scheme - not just a discourse.

Fadli estimates that there are around 150 thousand manuscripts in Indonesia. Some are still stored in the community in relatively good condition because they are traditionally maintained, but the threat of damage is still real: pests and disaster risks. "Efforts to save manuscripts more systematically and sustainably through cooperation between the government, academics, and the community are needed," said Minister of Culture Fadli Zon in a meeting with the Manassa management at the Jakarta Culture Ministry Building, Tuesday, March 3.

In terms of field needs, Manassa proposed a strategic program, namely certification of competence for manuscripts to address the shortage of philological and technical personnel in the region. This competency standard is projected to help protection work, including supporting the duties of the Cultural Heritage Expert Team in the region.

The ministry also highlighted the urgency of a strong manuscript database. According to Fadli, the availability of digital data will facilitate protection while opening up the use of manuscripts for literacy and the development of cultural knowledge.

Manassa Agus Iswanto stated that he was ready to give recommendations for manuscripts that were eligible to be submitted as national cultural treasures and world heritage. The meeting also discussed the opportunity for the repatriation of manuscripts, with the most realistic initial step: digital repatriation, given that digital collections in various countries are generally available and more easily accessible.

This meeting was also attended by the Special Staff of the Minister of Law and KI B.R.A. Putri Woelan Sari Dewi, Director of Museums and History Agus Mulyana, and Director of Cultural Values Empowerment and KI Facilitation Yayuk Sri Budi Rahayu. From Manassa, among others, Munawar Holil, Secretary General Aditia Gunawan, and General Treasurer Harits Fadlly.