BATUAKBA | Reading and Writing Batak Script

This presentation and discussion is part of the Arus Balik program, an initiative that encourages community involvement in the restitution and repatriation of cultural heritage, particularly the pustaha Batak manuscripts. Through this session, participants will be invited to understand the background, objectives, and approaches taken by the Arus Balik project in responding to the separation of cultural artifacts from their original context.

During the presentation, the Arus Balik team will share the research process, their journey to the Batak community, and the forms of collaboration built with indigenous communities, researchers, and cultural institutions. 

Founded in March 2012 and based in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, the collective Lifepatch promotes citizen initiatives in art, science, and technology. Lifepatch serves as a collaborative space for learning, exploration, and innovation. Agus Tri Budiarto [Timbil], Agung Firmanto Budiharto [gegger], Nova Rachmad Basuki [Nopel], and Sita Magfira [Sita] are currently active members and in charge of the residency project with Pressing Matter | Arus Balik Project.

In response to the Arus Balik Initiative, Kawan Pustaha was established in June 2022 as a platform for learning about pustaha—Batak manuscripts. Currently, there are 14 active Kawan Pustaha members based in Yogyakarta. Sopandu Manurung [Pandu], Faried Noor Siregar [Askal], and Louisye Ellysabeth Lubis [Ibeth] are participating in the 2025 residency in Amsterdam.