Siak, Riau (ANTARA) – The National Library (Perpusnas) has designated the ancient manuscriptSyair Perang Siakfrom Riau as a National Collective Memory (IKON) for 2026, as stipulated in Perpusnas Head Decree No. 154 of 2026.
Head of the Siak District Library and Archives Office Setya Hendro Wardana said the national recognition is a special gift for Siak District, which will commemorate its 27th anniversary on October 12, 2026.
“Alhamdulillah, as a birthday gift for Siak District, the District Library and Archives Office has received national recognition, with Syair Perang Siak designated as a National Collective Memory,” he said in Siak on Friday.
Wardana said the award will be presented at the 2026 IKON Award and IKON-Memory of the World Seminar, held by Perpusnas in Jakarta.
The designation from the head of Perpusnas confirmed that the designation of Syair Perang Siak as an IKON recognizes the manuscript’s important value as documentary heritage with significance for Indonesia’s history, culture, and civilization.
Perpusnas also expressed appreciation to the nominating party for its participation and contribution in the nomination process and efforts to preserve Indonesia’s documentary heritage.
The 2026 IKON Award and IKON-Memory of the World Seminar will carry the theme “Manuscripts, Memory, and National Collectivity.” The event is scheduled for Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the auditorium on the second floor of Perpusnas building in Jakarta.
Wardana added that the nomination is not only the first from Siak District but also from Riau Province, which he said is a source of pride for the people of Siak, since the Syair Perang Siak nomination truly originates from the site of the Siak Palace and the historical traces of the Siak Sultanate.
“This achievement does not belong to one party alone. It is a gift, a source of pride, and an achievement we share for Siak District and Riau Province,” he said.
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Translator: Bayu, Kenzu
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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