NUSANTARA MANUSCRIPT SEMINAR HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR PRESERVATION, COLLABORATION

From Nur Khalidah Abdul Halim

JAKARTA, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- The preservation and management of old manuscripts were among key topics discussed during the Nusantara Manuscript Internationalisation Seminar, held in conjunction with the Indonesia International Book Fair (IIBF) 2024.

The Malaysian Institute of Translation and Books (ITBM) Board of Directors chairman Noor Amin Ahmad said aspects such as conservation, digitalisation and access to old manuscripts are vital to ensuring the continuity of the Nusantara heritage.

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“This effort not only involves technology but also requires the commitment of various parties to safeguard and preserve these manuscripts for future generations,” he said in his welcoming address at the seminar held at the Jakarta Library and HB Jassin Literary Documentation Centre here yesterday.

The inaugural seminar coincided with the participation of the Malaysian delegation, led by ITBM, at IIBF 2024 which will run until this Sunday.

Over 100 participants attended the one-day seminar, including national literary figures, academics, researchers, Nusantara manuscript practitioners, university students, book publishers, associations and representatives from Malaysian and Indonesian ministries and government agencies.

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According to Noor Amin, collaboration between universities and institutions within the ASEAN region is crucial to advancing research and studies on Nusantara manuscripts.

“I believe that through in-depth research and the application of the knowledge contained in these manuscripts, we can uncover much wisdom and information that can be applied in areas such as education, law, philosophy and science,” he said.

Meanwhile, National Laureate Prof Emeritus Dr Muhammad Salleh stressed the need for collective efforts to ensure that the country secures copies of manuscripts currently held in the West, so the knowledge within them can benefit other nations.

While society often relies on Western knowledge, he added that the more than 20,000 Nusantara manuscripts contain a wealth of Malay knowledge waiting to be explored and utilised.

Therefore, he said it is important for the younger generation, especially those in primary schools, to be introduced to the true essence of these manuscripts to preserve the nation’s heritage.

-- BERNAMA