UNAIR NEWS – The Faculty of Humanities (FIB) UNAIR submitted ten articles of Surabaya local wisdom encyclopedia entries to the Surabaya City Library and Archives Service (Dispusip) on Tuesday, December 28, 2021. These articles result from collaboration among a team of FIB lecturers and students, Dispusip leaders and staff, and several communities in Surabaya. The symbolic handover took place at the Siola Convention Hall.
In his speech, FIB Dean Prof. Purnawan Basundoro said that the writing of the encyclopedia manuscript is one form of the Independent Campus program in collaboration with the City Government. In addition, this activity is also considered as FIB’s commitment to contribute to the literacy movement and the promotion of culture.
“I will encourage collaborative practices with various parties including the City Government, communities, media, and industry for this movement. If we do it together, it will definitely be easier and more impactful for the public,” said the Professor of History.
In addition to the written form, FIB UNAIR and Dispusip also plan to explore website technology containing local wisdom encyclopedia content. As planned, the website will be equipped with 3600 virtual tours presented in multilingual languages such as Indonesian, English, Javanese-Arek, Japanese, and French.
“This multilingual feature is made so that foreign readers can find out what local culture and wisdom are in Surabaya,” explained Prof. Purnawan.
The movement was supported well by the Surabaya Dispusip. Ir. Musdiq Ali Suhudi, M.T. said that strengthening literacy is necessary for the advancement of culture.
“Dispusip as a source of information and literacy will continue to make various efforts for inventory, documentation, and publication of cultural wealth. Therefore, they can be enjoyed and used as public education material,” he explained.
Several Surabaya communities also gave a positive response. Nanang Purwono from the Begandring Community assessed that collaboration in writing the Surabaya encyclopedia is a real effort.
“Hopefully, this collaboration will inspire other parties to jointly strengthen the identity of the city in the midst of advancement,” said Nanang.
Finally, FIB UNAIR and Dispusip and some Surabaya communities hoped that the addition and updating of encyclopedia entries would continue to be carried out regularly and in a participatory manner. In other words, the public can also submit or contribute to an encyclopedia entry about local wisdom in Surabaya.
“The goal is for the public to have references on the wealth of local wisdom that can be used for various things such as ideas for historical and cultural tourism destinations, creative economy products, and education,” explained Prof. Purnawan in his speech.
Author: Nikmatus Sholikhah
Editor: Feri Fenoria
