On Tuesday (March 25, 2025), Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum., a lecturer from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), discussed the life of Prince Diponegoro as depicted in the Babad Ngayogyakarta during the first session of the Nusantara Manuscript Literacy Class. The event was organized by the Center for Library Information Services and Nusantara Manuscript Management (Pujaasintara) of the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia (Perpusnas RI), under the theme “Another Side of Diponegoro: The Prince from Two Perspectives.”
In her presentation, Dr. Arsanti examined the manuscript Serat Babad Kawiwitan Djumenengipun Kanjeng Sultan Kaping 4-Kaping 5, housed at the Sonobudoyo Museum, Yogyakarta, under the code SB 169. This manuscript was originally composed during the reign of Sultan Hamengkubuwana V and later recopied during the era of Hamengkubuwana VII.
Within the Babad Ngayogyakarta, the life of Prince Diponegoro is detailed extensively, tracing the early years of Hamengkubuwana IV (verses 1–20) through the outbreak of the Java War (verses 21–48). Dr. Arsanti highlighted various exemplary qualities of Prince Diponegoro, particularly in the realm of education. Diponegoro emphasized three key areas of instruction for Hamengkubuwana IV: mastery of Javanese script and culture through literary works, proficiency in Arabic script and religious knowledge, and the acquisition of Malay and English for effective communication.
In addition to Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, Dr. Sudibyo Prawiroatmodjo, M.Hum., a lecturer from the Indonesian Language and Literature Program at FIB UGM, also served as a speaker, offering insights into Prince Diponegoro from the perspective of the Babad Kedhung Kebo. Notably, the session was also attended by Prof. Dr. Peter B.R. Carey, a distinguished historian renowned for his extensive research on Southeast Asian history, particularly the Java War and Prince Diponegoro.
The webinar proceeded smoothly and was marked by enthusiastic participation. Numerous questions from attendees reflected a strong interest in exploring Prince Diponegoro’s historical legacy through different manuscript sources.
The Nusantara Manuscript Literacy Class aims to uncover and elevate valuable knowledge contained within the Nusantara manuscripts. This information is expected to enrich academic fields and provide broader benefits to society. More broadly, the initiative supports the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in advancing quality education and fostering partnerships to achieve shared objectives.
Author: Haryo Untoro
