Hidden Messages in a Painting of Prince Diponegoro

The bicentennial of the beginning of the Java War (1825-30) has once again placed Indonesia’s national hero Diponegoro (1785-1855) in the spotlight. A recent translation of his memoirs features a painting from Leiden University Library on its cover. This blogpost unravels its symbolic meaning.

Guest author • October 02, 2025

Tracing the lost Royal Manuscripts of Palembang

During the 19th century colonial wars the library of the rulers of Palembang in Sumatra was looted by British and Dutch troops; its manuscripts were transported to other places and some of them are lost. Alan Darmawan visited Leiden to look for traces of some of these mishandled treasures.

Guest author • May 12, 2025

The Iranian Diaspora in Southeast Asia: Old Manuscript, New Perspectives

Majid Daneshgar discusses a rare Persian-Malay manuscript: Or. 5658. It provides a clearer picture of the history of Persian proficient people and Persian-Shīʿīsm in Indonesia.

Guest author • April 24, 2024

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Hidden Messages in a Painting of Prince Diponegoro

Tracing the lost Royal Manuscripts of Palembang

The Iranian Diaspora in Southeast Asia: Old Manuscript, New Perspectives