Cirebon Culture and Tourism Office Involves Teachers in Ancient Manuscript Study

The Cirebon Regency Culture and Tourism Office (Disbudpar) is involving teachers and students in efforts to expand historical literacy through the study of ancient manuscripts, ensuring that the historical and cultural values contained within them can be understood and shared with the community.

The Head of Disbudpar Cirebon Regency, Fajar Sutrisno, stated in Cirebon, West Java, on Friday, that the involvement of teachers, students, and department employees is part of a strategy to introduce the results of manuscript studies to a broader audience.

According to him, ancient manuscripts are not merely museum collections but are vital sources containing historical records, cultural values, and the identity of the Cirebon people. “We urgently need to study, convey, and introduce them to the public,” he said.

He noted that the findings from manuscript studies must be communicated to various groups so that knowledge of local history does not remain confined to academic circles or government institutions. “Therefore, teachers and students are considered to have a strategic role in disseminating this information through teaching, research, and community service activities,” he added.

In addition to involving participants from outside the agency, Disbudlag is also encouraging all its employees to understand the museum’s collections, including the manuscripts that form part of Cirebon Regency’s cultural heritage. “We want all employees at Disbudpar to know and recognise the museums we possess, including the manuscript collections that are an important part of Cirebon’s history,” he said.

He emphasised that such understanding is necessary so that employees can provide accurate information to the public and tourists visiting the museum. Fajar stressed that the dissemination of accurate information is crucial to prevent Cirebon’s history from being shaped by incorrect or unverified information.

To support this objective, the office is bringing in academics and cultural observers with expertise in manuscript studies and local history to present their research findings. “The speakers are present to share their knowledge so that the understanding of Cirebon’s manuscripts can be correctly conveyed to the community,” he concluded.