Whether documenting local languages in Kupang or exploring urban ecology in the heart of Jabodetabek, KITLV-Jakarta continues its mission to bridge knowledge. By engaging directly with local historians, policy research institutes, and communities, the team successfully secured vital literature to enrich Leiden University Library’s collection.
Notes from Kupang: Where Language Grows as Strong as Coral
After spending a week in Kupang, one thing became crystal clear: the passion for local culture and literature in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) is incredibly strong.
In NTT, language grows as fertile as the coral reefs. It is a land of incredible linguistic diversity. In Alor, people say, “Different village, different language.” Our journey through Kupang was a mission to gather the rich publications of Bumi Flobamorata and document the voices that keep this heritage alive.
The Art of Listening
During a “Diskusi Dusun” session with the Dusun Flobamora Literary Community (April 9, 2026), renowned author Bang Cris shared a profound secret: writing begins with the ears. He spoke of visiting fishing villages just to listen, even to the local gossip, transforming everyday whispers into powerful literature.
A Compass for the Future
We also had the honor of meeting Bapak Djoese at the NTT Governor’s Office (April 10, 2026). He is currently working on the Kemak Dirubati Daily Conversation Dictionary to preserve oral traditions. As he expressed: “Without documentation, our grandchildren will lose the compass to their past.”
Our Takeaway
From local writers to government officials, the enthusiasm we encountered proves that local wisdom is a living value that must be nurtured. We are returning home with more than just books; we are carrying a renewed spirit to ensure our cultures and languages continue to thrive.
Thank you, Kupang, for the warmest welcome.
Preserving Contemporary Knowledge: KITLV-Jakarta’s Acquisition Trip in the Capital
On April 15, 2026, the KITLV-Jakarta acquisition team conducted a strategic field visit to several prominent research and policy institutions across Jakarta. As part of its ongoing mission to document Indonesia’s intellectual landscape, the team focused on acquiring unique institutional publications—ranging from specialized books and scholarly journals to periodic reports—directly within the capital city.
During the mission, the team successfully gathered vital resources from four key organizations with distinct academic focuses. The journey began with a visit to Association of Indonesia Municipalities (APEKSI), where the team secured rare publications on urban governance, public facilities, and municipal development. The team then expanded its legal and policy networks by collecting legal research and reform analyses from Indonesian Institute for Independent Judiciary (LeIP), followed by public policy and socio-political assessments from The Indonesian Institute (TII). The trip concluded with a stop at the Rujak Center for Urban Studies (RCUS) to acquire specialized publications on sustainable urban ecology and community-driven spatial planning.
Because many of these institutional materials are not widely available through standard commercial channels, collecting them directly from the source is crucial. Through these routine acquisition, KITLV-Jakarta team ensures that these diverse, firsthand perspectives on Indonesia’s rapidly evolving society are safely preserved and made accessible to the global academic community for generations to come.
Bridging Knowledge: KITLV-Jakarta’s Acquisition Visit to Bogor
On May 07, 2026, the KITLV-Jakarta team successfully wrapped up another productive field mission, this time in Bogor, forging vital connections across environmental advocacy, rural sociology, labor movements, and local governance.
The journey began with a productive meeting at Kaoem Telapak, an NGO dedicated to environmental justice, forest governance, and sustainable livelihoods. Beyond their regular print and digital research publications, the organization highlighted their “KAoem Muda” initiative, which actively equips the younger generation with vital documentation and environmental campaign skills.
The team then visited the Sajogyo Institute. The institution continues to preserve the intellectual legacy of Prof. Dr. Ir. Sajogyo, the Father of Indonesian Rural Sociology. In commemoration of his centenary, the institute shared their upcoming plans for the “Solidarity Night and Art Exhibition” alongside the highly anticipated launch of a special book Pusaka Pustaka Sajogyo.
The team further expanded its labor history network by meeting with Sedane Labour Resource Center (LIPS). As a non-profit dedicated to empowering trade unions, LIPS goes beyond traditional research by encouraging workers to write down their own struggles. Their literacy programs and notable book series Buruh Menuliskan Perlawanannya, stand as powerful testaments to their commitment to amplifying labor voices.
Moving forward, the team engaged with the Tangtu Institute, which grew out of a close partnership between historians and creatives following the setup of the Bumi Parawira Gallery. The KITLV-Jakarta team also visited the gallery, which uses a unique “time tunnel” concept. The space is beautifully designed to walk visitors through a timeline of five key eras in Bogor’s leadership history.
Concluding the fruitful itinerary, the KITLV-Jakarta team was deeply honored to meet with the Head of the Bogor City Library Department and the Mayor of Bogor to discuss local literacy and archival connections. Though brief, this acquisition trip has successfully forged meaningful new partnerships. We extend our warmest gratitude to all our hosts for their exceptional hospitality—until our next visit!
