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The Manuscript of the Song of Bwanā Winaṣā as a National Collective Memory (IKON) for 2024. (Photo : Perpusnas) - 

VOInews, Bali : The National Library of the Republic of Indonesia (Perpusnas) designated the Manuscript of the Song of Bwanā Winaṣā as a National Collective Memory (IKON) for 2024.

The text of Kidung Bwanā Winaṣā by Ida Pedanda Ngurah is written in the form of traditional macapat poetry and records important events such as the Badung puputan in 1906.

Deputy for the Development of Library Materials and Information Services at the National Library, Mariana Ginting, handed over the certificate of IKON designation to the representative of Gria Gede Belayu as the author's descendant, the representative of Giriya Mandhara Pemaron as the custodian of the manuscript, and to the Badung Regency Library and Archives Service as the proposer of IKON, in Badung, Bali, on Friday (11/10/2024).

The Deputy explained that with its broad historical coverage, the Song of Bwanā Winaṣā deserves to be recognized as an ICON that represents cultural riches and important events in world history.

"The Song of Bwanā Winaṣā was assessed by the IKON Expert Council as having national significance, namely that it records the story of the Balinese people's struggle against Dutch colonialism through the Puputan war which is an important legacy for Indonesian history," he said.

The Deputy emphasized that this award is not just a celebration, but also has benefits for the community.

"Accessibility and utilization of the Kidung Bwanā Winaṣā text as widely as possible must continue to be mainstreamed for the sake of knowledge and progress of the nation," he added.

Apart from that, the Deputy expressed his highest appreciation and appreciation to various parties who had collaborated with the National Library in selecting the manuscript of the Song of Bwanā Winaṣā to become an IKON.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Friday October 11th 2024 in Jakarta, assistant for Government and People's Welfare Badung Regency Regional Secretariat I Nyoman Sujendra representing Plt. The Regent of Badung Regency, I Ketut Suiasa, conveyed a number of efforts to preserve ancient manuscripts in Badung Regency.

"Efforts have been made to preserve ancient manuscripts in Badung Regency, especially lontar, in collaboration with Balinese language instructors in Bali Province," he said.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of maintaining, caring for and preserving ancient manuscripts through activities to mainstream Indonesian manuscripts.

"Nusantara Manuscripts as a National Collective Association is expected to provide knowledge and insight that teaches the preservation of the Indonesian nation's documentary heritage and saving national document assets from extinction," he explained.

He expressed his appreciation and appreciation to the National Library for holding this activity.

The representative of Giriya Mandhara Pemaron, Ida Pedanda Gede Mandhara Putra Kekeran as the custodian of the manuscript, expressed his gratitude and pride for the selection of the manuscript of Kidung Bwanā Winaṣā as the Bali Province IKON.

“Because it is history that is not just fanciful history, it is real history. Apart from that, it is an educational means to be able to think in search of unity and contains the concept of seeking peace. "If you have absorbed the contents of the palm leaf, a feeling of independence emerges, being firm in your opinion to achieve common prosperity," he said.

Likewise, the representative of Gria Gede Belayu, Ida Pedanda Gede Putra Gelgel, as a descendant of the scriptwriter, expressed his gratitude for the selection of the Kidung Bwanā Winaṣā script to become IKON in 2024.

“My family and I are very grateful for this IKON. Because perhaps the emergence of his current works can stimulate future leaders. "There are notes of a wise leader," he concluded.

In 2024, the National Library will designate seven Indonesian manuscripts as IKONs. Apart from the Song of Bwanā Winaṣā, the manuscripts designated as IKON are Bo' Sangaji Kai (Bima Sultanate), Pustaha Laklak Tambar ni Hulit (North Sumatra), Simbur Cahaya Constitution Manuscript (South Sumatra), Lontar Sri Tanjung (Banyuwangi Regency, East Java ), Lontar Attoriolong Bone (South Sulawesi), and Lontar Primbon of the Tengger Tribe (East Java)//VOI