Palm Leaf Manuscripts of Pupuan Villagers Conserved by Balinese Language Instructor in Tabanan

Dozens of palm leaf manuscripts belonging to residents of Pupuan Village have been conserved by Balinese language instructors from Tabanan on Tuesday, 10 March 2026. The manuscripts are family heirlooms owned by villagers, many of which have been found to be damaged to moderate and severe degrees.

I Putu Darma Susila, Coordinator of Manuscript Conservation in Tabanan, stated that the lontar manuscripts being conserved come from seven residents of Pupuan Village. Most of the manuscripts contain medical texts (usadha), historical chronicles (babad), and classical poetry (kekawin).

“Of the dozens we have, the condition is quite concerning, with many damaged by rats and termites, and deteriorated from moisture due to prolonged storage,” said Darma Susila.

According to Darma Susila, in addition to damage caused by pests, the manuscripts have also deteriorated due to extended storage periods resulting in moisture and dirt accumulation. Furthermore, the Pupuan area tends to be cool.

“From preliminary documentation, there are several manuscripts still undergoing identification because of their fragile condition. In fact, there is one manuscript so deteriorated that we dare not open it. If forced open, the manuscript could crumble like rotted wood,” Darma Susila stated firmly.

The conservation process is targeted for completion within a short timeframe, though it has been hindered somewhat by the damp weather conditions in the Pupuan area.

Beyond conservation work, the Balinese Language Instruction programme in Tabanan has also provided education to manuscript owners regarding proper care and storage methods. According to Darma Susila, most owners have traditionally only conducted non-physical maintenance through ritual ceremonies. Physical maintenance remains insufficient.