Indonesia and Leiden University Collaborate on Manuscript Preservation

KBRN, Jakarta: The Indonesian Ministry of Culture hosted a meeting with Leiden University representatives to enhance cultural collaboration, focusing on scholarships and professorships. Held on Monday (2/5/2025) in Jakarta, the meeting marked an important step in promoting Indonesia’s cultural heritage. The delegation, led by Minister Fadli Zon, included Prof. Wim Van Den Doel, Dean of the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus University Alliance.

Minister Fadli Zon highlighted the critical role of manuscripts in preserving the collective memory of the Indonesian people.

"Manuscripts are essential sources of knowledge and innovation. They reflect the rich cultural heritage of Nusantara and require thorough research," the minister emphasized.

The Koninklijk Instituut voor Taal-, Land- en Volkenkunde (KITLV) in Jakarta welcomed the initiative. Since its establishment in 1851, KITLV has specialized in research and publishing on Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Its Jakarta branch, opened in 1969, facilitates closer collaboration with Indonesian institutions.

Prof. Wim Van Den Doel underscored the need for Indonesian scholars to join KITLV's professorship programs.

"We need experts in Indonesian culture to study and teach about manuscripts in various regional languages," he stated, inviting Indonesian participation in this global initiative.

The meeting also discussed scholarship opportunities. KITLV-Jakarta currently collaborates with five Indonesian universities: Bandung Institute of Technology, Gadjah Mada University, University of Indonesia, Airlangga University, and Mulawarman University. Additionally, cultural institutions like the Indonesian Institute of Arts and Culture (ISBI) in Bandung, Aceh, and East Kalimantan present promising avenues for further collaboration.

In closing, Prof. Van Den Doel extended an invitation to Minister Fadli Zon to visit Leiden University’s library, which houses a comprehensive collection of original and digital resources focused on Southeast Asia.

"Through this partnership, we aim to enrich the metadata reports of manuscripts in the KITLV Library," he noted.

Minister Fadli Zon expressed optimism about the collaboration, emphasizing its potential to elevate Indonesian cultural studies globally. The initiative aligns with the ministry’s mission to promote and preserve Indonesia’s intangible cultural heritage.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Culture, KITLV, and Leiden University, reflecting the depth of commitment from all stakeholders. For further updates on the collaboration, contact the Ministry of Culture or KITLV-Jakarta.

Source : Indonesian Ministry of Culture