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Tulungagung, 15 July 2024 – Institute for Research and Community Service (LP2M) UIN Sayyid Ali Rahmatullah Tulungagung presents Dr. Verena Meyer from Leiden University held an international seminar entitled “Manuscripts, Digitization and the Question of Decolonization. A New Way Forward?”. This seminar raised important issues regarding the digitization of Javanese manuscripts and its impact on decolonization.
Dr. Verena Meyer opened the discussion by expressing her concerns regarding the history of colonialism, especially the invasion of the Yogyakarta Palace by British troops in 1812, known as "Geger Sepehi". This attack was followed by the arrest of the royal family and the confiscation of valuable manuscripts.
Meyer highlighted efforts to digitally restore Javanese manuscripts that have been digitized and can now be accessed online. However, he questioned whether returns in digital form could be considered adequate. “They take away physically, then now returns in digital form. Is this enough? What is actually returned? This question requires further research, both from a political and other point of view,” Meyer said.
The discussion also includes narratives of colonial violence and efforts to restore and fill periods of silence through digitalization. According to Meyer, digitalization is not only a means of preserving cultural heritage but also a step to overcome the historical vacuum left by colonialism.
Meyer explains the concept of heirlooms as heritage objects that store the strength and knowledge of the past, and the role of letters in Javanese tradition as agents of transcendent power. “Heirlooms are not just artifacts, but also a symbol of power and identity. Letters in the Javanese tradition have an important role as a medium that conveys power and deep knowledge,” he added.
This seminar emphasizes the importance of a more holistic and sensitive approach to the digitalization and decolonization process. LP2M UIN SATU invites lecturers and researchers to continue calling for in-depth research in an effort to understand the impact and implications of the digital return of manuscripts as part of an ongoing decolonization process.
