National Library Designates Besuki History as National Collective Memory
The National Library of the Republic of Indonesia (Perpusnas RI) has designated the history of Besuki in Situbondo Regency, East Java, as part of the National Collective Memory (IKON) for 2026.
In a statement received in Situbondo on Thursday night, the announcement regarding the designation of the Babad Besuki as National Collective Memory was attended directly by the Regent of Situbondo, Yusuf Rio Wahlam Prayogo, at the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia building in Jakarta.
Regent Yusuf Rio Wahyu Prayogo stated that this recognition serves as an honour for the people of Situbondo, particularly the residents of the Besuki District. “With pride, I accept this award on behalf of the people of Situbondo and the people of Besuki whom I love,” he said.
According to Rio, the Babad Besuki is no longer merely a piece of regional historical heritage; its status as National Collective Memory ensures that the manuscript becomes part of the nation’s collective memory.
Rio noted that the designation of Babad Besuki by the National Library should serve as a momentum to strengthen the development of the Greater Besuki area (the western region of Situbondo). He expressed that history should not merely be stored as a record of the past, but can serve as a foundation for building the region’s future.
“Hopefully, this will be a historical leap, as we are working seriously to develop Besuki,” he said. “Besuki is the womb of Situbondo Regency, and the Babad Besuki leads us to the stories of past glory,” added Rio.
Babad Besuki is an ancient manuscript that records the historical journey of the Greater Besuki area. The manuscript serves as a vital source for tracing the traces of Besuki’s past, including key figures and various events that shaped the region’s trajectory.
The designation of Babad Besuki as part of the 2026 National Collective Memory is expected to further strengthen public awareness of local history, while simultaneously encouraging the preservation of ancient manuscripts as cultural heritage.