YOGYAKARTA-UGM as an educational as well as cultural institute supports the preservation of Nusantara manuscripts that are spread across the country or abroad. This is stated by Rector of UGM, Prof. Dr. Pratikno, M.Soc.Sc, in the opening of the 14th International Symposium of Nusantara Manuscript Society (Manassa) in the Koesnadi Hardjasoemantri Cultural Centre (PKKH) UGM on Tuesday (11/9). It lasts from 11-13 September 2012.
Pratikno said that the event serves as a real contribution of UGM support in the preservation and development of Indonesian culture, particularly Nusantara manuscripts.
“I think it suitable to be held in Yogyakarta, moreover that the Yogyakarta’s Specialty Draft Law has been endorsed recently that will significantly determine the position of Yogyakarta in government, social or cultural areas,” Pratikno said.
The Rector supports the event, especially that students have much learned scientific knowledge which is less humanistic. Thus, students need to learn things that are related to culture so that their spirit and mind will be more seasoned in cultural preservation efforts.
“There are already too many scientific matters, so activities related to culture need to be encouraged,” he said.
Meanwhile, General Chairman of Manassa, Dr. Oman Fathurahman, said that the activity involving some 185 participants from the country and abroad is evidence of the seriousness in research and preservation of Nusantara manuscripts. The symposium, said Oman, is an enhancement of academic tradition that relates to manuscript in Indonesia.
”It is expected that it can open access to research and enhancement of academic traditions, particularly manuscript,” Oman said.
Oman added that of all historical records, it is known that palaces in Nusantara have become the centre of writing, copying, preserving and inheriting manuscripts. The palace became the scriptorium of Nusantara manuscripts. Many important Nusantara manuscripts were produced in the palace and many manuscripts are preserved by the palace and be passed down from generation to generation.
“The palace as the centre of power of a kingdom plays a significant role in the formation of tradition for its community, or on the wider scope, its culture,” he added.
Governor of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan HB X, in a keynote speech read out by Head of Culture Agency of Yogyakarta, Drs. GBPH Yudhaningrat, M.M., hoped that the current generation can take example of the important messages written in the ancient manuscripts such as the babad, serat or primbon.
“Eling lan waspodo (Aware and alert) because currently there are many things uncertain, even full of make-ups,” Sultan advised.
Sultan said the local culture has to be strengthened, especially amidst the swift move of globalisation. The strong culture is due to, among others, support from the nation.