Faculty of Humanities Udayana University Receives Donation of 26 Palm-Leaf Manuscripts to Support the Preservation of Balinese Cultural Heritage

• Posted by: Admin
• Senin, 23 Februari 2026
• Has been read 25 time(s)

Denpasar, 23^rd February 2026 – The Faculty of Humanities, Udayana University, officially received a donation of approximately 26 (twenty-six) palm-leaf manuscripts (lontar) for the Lontar Library collection of the Faculty of Humanities. The handover ceremony was held at the Faculty of Humanities, Udayana University, and was attended by faculty leaders, the lontar library management, lecturers, and the donor as a shared commitment to preserving Balinese cultural heritage.

In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Prof. I Nyoman Aryawibawa, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude for the trust and contribution given. He emphasized that lontar manuscripts are invaluable sources of traditional knowledge with significant historical, philological, and cultural value. This donation is considered a strategic step in strengthening the faculty’s academic functions, particularly in supporting research, teaching, and community service based on local cultural heritage.

The Rector of Udayana University, Prof. Ir. I Ketut Sudarsana, S.T., Ph.D. also conveyed his appreciation for the contribution to the Faculty of Humanities. He highlighted that preserving lontar manuscripts aligns with the university’s commitment to maintaining its cultural identity and heritage-based character. The Rector further expressed hope that the collection would be optimally utilized as a valuable resource for learning and impactful research for the wider community.

The manuscripts were generously donated by Dr. David J. Stuart-Fox, an Australian scholar residing in the Netherlands. On this occasion, he stated that the donation was part of a collaborative effort to support the preservation of Balinese cultural heritage and the advancement of education and research. He expressed his hope that the lontars would be carefully preserved and beneficial for future generations of scholars. The list of donated lontars, such as: Tingkah ing akarya tirtha pangentas, Puja Parikrama, Kajang, Krakah, Yamaraja, Parik Basa, Aksara Utama, Wisik Utama, Piwlas, Panghidup dahi, Gaguritan Hikayat Nabi, Pangunus Wisesa, Pratekaning rare wawu metu, Wariga Gemet, Usada, Usada Tenung Sakit, Gaguritan Dewasa, Kawisesan, Pigedeg, Pabesah, Patengeran Tiwang, Aksara Mawisesa, Kanda Mpat, Usada Manak, four unidentified lontars, as well as three bundles of embat-embatan, pangeling-eling, and miscellaneous lempir manuscripts.

The handover agenda concluded with a shared commitment to sustainably preserve and maintain the collection. All manuscripts will be safely stored and conserved at the Lontar Library of the Faculty of Humanities, Udayana University. This collection is expected to serve as a valuable reference for research, learning activities, and the preservation of traditional knowledge for future generations, while further strengthening the Faculty’s commitment to safeguarding and developing Balinese cultural heritage.