UNS — The Center for Excellence (PUI) Javanologi Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta initiated assistance for old manuscript digitalization equipment to Rekso Pustoko Library Pura Mangkunegaran. This assistance was granted from the family of Chairman of the House of Representatives (DPR) RI 1999-2004 Akbar Tandjung, consisting of two computer units and one digital camera.
The equipment was handed in Rekso Pustoko library Pura Mangkunegaran on Tuesday (27/7/2021), attended by the Chief of PUI Javanologi UNS Prof. Sahid Teguh Widodo, representative of Akbar Tandjung family, Rory I. Danisworo and wife, penghageng Mondropuro Pura Mangkunegaran Supriyanto, and representative from Rekso Pustoko library Pura Mangkunegaran Darweni, M. Hum.
Prof. Sahid stated that Rekso Pustoko library Pura Mangkunegaran established in 11 August 1867 during KGPAA Mangkunegoro IV leadership acts as a source of knowledge. Therefore, a step to protect and manage the old manuscript is needed in the virtual cyber era to improve its utilization is needed.
“We know that Rekso Pustoko library Pura Mangkunegaran has been around for centuries. For a long time, Rekso Pustoko library has assisted the Indonesian generation in completing their Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral degree with satisfactory research findings,” he stated.
He added that PUI Javanologi UNS acts as initiators and takes the initiative to assist Rekso Pustoko library Pura Mangkunegaran in applying manuscript digitalization. Thus, PUI Javanologi UNS, with its networks and connections, assists Rekso Pustoko library Pura Mangkunegaran in finding donors for the digitalization process. From the exploration process, PUI Javanologi UNS communicate with the Akbar Tandjung family and received approval from Akbar Tandjung’s wife, Nina Akbar Tandjung.
“The idea was supported, and PUI Javanologi contacted Gusti Retno Rosadi ‘Gusti Rus’ as pengageng library from Pura Mangkunegaran, who also welcomed the idea,” Prof. Sahid stated.
With this assistance Prof. Sahid hoped that the equipment could be used well to support reserch development in the field of philology, literature, and language. “As an initiator, we are responsible to held training for manuscript maintenance and digitalization,” he added.
PUI Javanologi UNS Awareness on Old Manuscript Maintenance
In an interview with uns.ac.id, Prof. Sahid stated that his team is also aware of the manuscript maintenance in Sono Pustaka Keraton Kasunanan Hadiningrat. Prof. Sahid stated that he is concerned with Sono Pustaka Keraton Kasunanan Hadiningrat. According to the latest report he received, the library has roof leakage, which makes him want to save the old manuscript in Sono Pustaka Keraton Kasunanan Hadiningrat.
“We hope that not only Rekso Pustaka Pura Mangkunegaran but also Sono Pustaka in Keraton Kasunanan Hadiningrat (that receive assistance). Currently, Sono Pustaka library is closed, and we are very concerned with the manuscript condition,” Prof. Sahid said.
Prof. Sahid hopes that PUI Javanologi UNS could meet and ask permission from S.I.S.K.S Pakubuwana XIII to take care of and digitalize the old manuscript in Sono Pustaka Keraton Kasunanan Hadiningrat, similar to in Rekso Pustaka Pura Mangkunegaran.
“PUI Javanologi UNS will always be concerned and stay on the track that we think correct for the development of knowledge. Especially to encourage UNS as the center for Javanese culture development globally as a world-class university. We are ready to support from the cultural fields,” he concluded. Humas UNS
Reporter: Yefta Christopherus AS
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
