In response to the challenges posed by globalization and its impact on national identity, the Nusantara Manuscript Society (MANASSA) and the UGM Faculty of Cultural Sciences organized the 19th International Symposium on Nusantara Manuscripts themed “Strengthening Indonesian Identity Through the Study of Nusantara Manuscripts.”
This symposium will take place over three days from August 7th to 9th, 2023, at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta.
The 19th International Symposium on Nusantara Manuscripts (SIPN XIX) aims to bring together scholars from Indonesia and abroad to discuss the latest findings on Nusantara manuscripts, which have the potential to reinforce the nation’s identity and counter the threats of globalization.
With the participation of experts from various fields, this symposium will provide comprehensive insight into a unified concept.
The symposium offers nine intriguing discussion panels to address cross-cultural phenomena, the role of digital humanities, the connection between manuscripts and nature, and the part of manuscripts in the creative industry.
Through these sub-themes, researchers will explore the local wisdom values embedded in Nusantara manuscripts, apply them to sustainable development, and strengthen Indonesian identity.
Furthermore, the symposium also seeks to encourage participants to embrace modernity as an enrichment of Indonesia’s classical cultural heritage without forsaking the local values that have defined the nation’s identity for centuries.
This reflects Indonesia’s open-minded approach to embracing the changes of the times while preserving its cultural roots.
The symposium will feature senior manuscript researchers such as Professor Siti Chamamah Soeratno, Professor Titik Pudjiastuti, Professor Marsono, Dr. Munawar Holil, and representatives from governmental institutions to achieve practical synergy, including Professor Pratikno, Professor Arskal Salim, Muhammad Syarif Bando, and other credible speakers.
“This symposium raises our awareness about the potential of collaboration to advance philology studies in Indonesia with a more innovative approach. It reminds us that it’s important for us all to integrate our academic disciplines with other fields to strengthen Indonesian identity,” said the Chair of SIPN XIX, Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, on Friday (4/8).
Dr. Wulandari added that it’s time to sharpen the study of manuscripts with a cross-cultural approach since the history of identity in the Nusantara was shaped through the integration of ethnicities and cultures, as recorded in several Nusantara manuscripts, where social integration occurred through marriage, trade, politics, and migration.
She hopes the discussions during this symposium can help achieve a more diverse yet inclusive and harmonious Indonesian identity.
For more information about SIPN XIX, please visit the link: http://manassa.id.
Source: PR Department of the UGM Faculty of Cultural Sciences