Hasanuddin University Research Team Conducts Manuscript Digitization Initiative in Sinjai Regency
Hasanuddin University Research Team Conducts Manuscript Digitization Initiative in Sinjai Regency
Sinjai, July 2026 – A research team from the Department of Regional Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, carried out a manuscript digitization initiative at the Sinjai Regency Public Library as part of its ongoing commitment to preserving South Sulawesi's documentary and literary heritage.
The research project is led by Prof. Muhlis Hadrawi, M.Hum., a scholar specializing in manuscript studies and the preservation of Indonesian cultural heritage. The initiative focuses on documenting and digitizing historical manuscripts to ensure their long-term preservation while expanding public and academic access through digital technology.
During the activity, the research team conducted the identification, documentation, and digitization of a collection of manuscripts preserved by the Sinjai Regency Public Library. The process involved recording the physical condition of each manuscript, capturing high-resolution digital images, and compiling essential metadata to support future research, conservation, and educational use.
Prof. Muhlis Hadrawi emphasized that manuscript digitization is a strategic effort to safeguard Indonesia's written cultural heritage from deterioration caused by age, environmental factors, and repeated physical handling. He noted that digital preservation enables valuable historical sources to be accessed more widely without compromising the integrity of the original manuscripts.
"Digitization is not intended to replace the original manuscripts. Rather, it is an important preservation strategy that protects these invaluable cultural assets while making them more accessible for research, education, and future generations," he explained.
The initiative also strengthens collaboration between Hasanuddin University and the Sinjai Regency Public Library in promoting the preservation and utilization of local cultural heritage. Through this partnership, the manuscripts are expected to become more widely available to researchers, students, and the public, encouraging further studies on the history, language, literature, and culture of South Sulawesi.
The manuscript digitization project reflects the Department of Regional Literature's continued dedication to integrating academic research, cultural preservation, and digital innovation. By transforming fragile historical documents into sustainable digital resources, the team contributes to safeguarding Indonesia's rich manuscript heritage while supporting broader efforts to preserve the nation's collective memory in the digital age.