In Memoriam: Prof. Dr. Titik Pudjiastuti, Pioneering Scholar of Indonesian Manuscripts
The passing of Prof. Dr. Titik Pudjiastuti, has left a profound loss in the academic and cultural communities of Indonesia. A distinguished Professor of Literature and expert in philology and codicology, she dedicated her life to preserving the heritage of Nusantara manuscripts. A beloved lecturer in Javanese Studies at the University of Indonesia’s Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Prof. Titik passed on Monday, October 21, 2024, at Mitra Keluarga Bintaro Hospital. Her tireless commitment to safeguarding Indonesia’s historical texts has left an enduring legacy.
An Unexpected Start in Academia
Although known as a key figure in philology, Prof. Titik’s academic journey initially did not include plans for a literary career. She first enrolled in the Faculty of Economics at the University of Indonesia but later transferred to the Faculty of Humanities (formerly the Faculty of Literature) at her mother Ngastiah’s encouragement. Her mother’s wish was for Titik to embrace Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, much like the foreign researchers who devoted themselves to the field.
This decision transformed Titik from a quiet economics student into an active presence in the literary world, taking part in academic pursuits and student organizations. Her interest in philology grew stronger when she wrote her undergraduate thesis on Serat Yusuf, and later deepened during her master’s studies at Leiden University, where she gained expertise in ancient texts. This experience solidified her role as a significant contributor to Nusantara manuscript studies.
She expanded her research to include codicology—the study of the physical aspects of manuscripts, including paper and ink types—which helps trace a manuscript’s age and origin. This commitment became a lifelong mission as she recognized the diverse knowledge embedded in Indonesian manuscripts. Her work extended beyond analyzing content; she actively sought to protect these valuable artifacts from damage, loss, or sale to foreign collectors.
A Noteworthy Role in the DREAMSEA Program
Titik’s dedication to preserving Indonesia’s manuscript heritage was exemplified through her leadership role in the DREAMSEA (Digital Repository of Endangered and Affected Manuscripts in Southeast Asia) program as the Academic Expert. In March 2022, she led a mission in Lampung province of Indonesia to digitize rare manuscripts, most of which had been overlooked in previous studies. During this mission, conducted from March 18 to 24, her team successfully digitized 87 manuscripts, totaling 1,709 pages, from four private collections belonging to Mohamad Zakwan, Ahmad Amin, Arief Sofyan, and Buya. These manuscripts included a compilation of customary laws, incantations, letters, and traditional remedies written in ancient Lampung script, Arabic, Jawi, and Latin.
The mission also uncovered manuscripts with unique illuminations in Mohamad Zakwan’s collection—a rare find in Nusantara manuscript studies. This discovery provided new insights into Lampung’s textual tradition and showcased manuscripts crafted from bark, similar to Batak manuscript traditions. The condition of these texts varied; many were fragile, with ink corrosion and mold due to humidity, which emphasized the need for digital preservation to ensure access for future generations.
During the Dreamsea Student Research 2023, Prof. Titik served as a mentor for participants researching manuscripts that had been digitized by DREAMSEA. She was also a keynote speaker at the Seminar and Colloquium event, which focused on the topic ‘Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future: Exposing Southeast Asian Cultural Diversity through Digital Manuscripts.’ Her extensive experience and insights made her a respected figure, and she was eager to share her knowledge and experiences with the attendees present.
Digitization Efforts: Preserving Indonesia’s Manuscript Heritage
Prof. Titik was deeply committed to digitizing Indonesian manuscripts to prevent their deterioration or loss through sales to private collectors. Her work often involved photographing each page, sometimes at her own expense, and she frequently encountered community members reluctant to share manuscripts they regarded as sacred. Prof. Titik’s sensitive approach, however, allowed her to earn their trust, and she succeeded in documenting many invaluable texts. Her ambition extended to educating manuscript owners about the importance of preservation, aiming to protect the country’s intellectual legacy.
In the later stages of her career, Prof. Titik began exploring eastern Indonesia, identifying manuscripts in regions such as West Papua, Sorong, Fak-Fak, Bima, NTB, Ternate, Tidore, and various locations in Sulawesi and Kalimantan. She believed these regions held intellectual treasures that could provide new perspectives on Nusantara’s rich literacy heritage. Her research also uncovered manuscripts containing practical knowledge, including remedies for livestock, showcasing the wisdom of Indonesia’s ancestors.
A Lasting Legacy
Prof. Dr. Titik Pudjiastuti’s contributions to Nusantara manuscript preservation have left an indelible mark. Her dedication to philology, codicology, and her relentless efforts to digitize and protect manuscripts have enriched the understanding of Indonesia’s intellectual legacy. While her passing is a profound loss, her commitment and the knowledge she shared will inspire generations to come.
Watch the DREAMSEA’s documentary of Lampung manuscripts digitization led by Prof. Titik:
