KITLV-Jakarta concluded its acquisition trip to Palembang, South Sumatra, in June 2026. Once known as the centre of the maritime empire of Srivijaya and the ‘Venice of the East,’ Palembang holds extraordinarily rich and dynamic repository of literature, history, and culture that continues to thrive to this day. Throughout the visit, the team successfully engaged with various institutions—ranging from government offices, universities, to local writer communities—to collect a diverse array of local publications and literature that will enrich the collections of Leiden University Libraries.

Beyond formal institutional visits, the team also explored historical preservation centres, such as the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Museum, which houses colonial and Sultanate artifacts, and the South Sumatra State Museum, which showcases civilizational footprints ranging from the prehistoric era to the Srivijaya period. Meanwhile, at the Taman Budaya Sriwijaya team witnessed firsthand a vibrant open space for artists to create, serving as a dynamic hub for local arts and cultural performances.

The trip was also marked by a warm visit to the Sultanate of Palembang Darussalam, where the team was directly received by Sultan Fawaz and Sultan Iskandar Mahmud Badaruddin. Both prominent figures expressed their full appreciation and tangible support for KITLV-Jakarta’s ongoing efforts to document and safeguard Palembang’s literary heritage, ensuring it becomes accessible to a broader international audience.

Through meetings with collectors, community leaders, academics, and the people of Palembang, this journey reminded the team that every book, publication, and archive helps protect our shared history. The wonderful hospitality and insights we received made this visit truly unforgettable.

In the period of June to August, KITLV-Jakarta team also concluded other acquisition trips to Yogyakarta, Purwokerto in Central Java, and in and around the Greater Jakarta area. Their exciting journeys can be found here.