Threads of Dignity

By Putu Oka Sukanta
Translated by keith Foulcher

The Mystical Path of Badrul Mustafa

By Heru Joni Putra
Translated by George A. Fowler

IN MEMORIAM

Titik Pudjiastuti

Titik Pudjiastuti (1/23/1956–10/21/2024) was a noted scholar of Javanese manuscripts and literature. With a masters degree from Leiden University (1990), she then obtained her PhD from the University of Indonesia where, upon her graduation in 2010, was appointed Professor of Literature. Among Titik’s many important publications are Serat Yusup: Peran, Fungsi dan Manfaatnya, an edition of the Javanese story of the prophet Joseph; Sajarah Banten, a translation of “The History of Banten”; Babad Arung Bondhan, a Javanese historiography; and Perang, Dagang, Persahabatan, an edition of royal letters from Banten written in Arabic, Malay and Javanese.

Titik edited or contributed to many more books, but a list of titles does not do justice to the legacy of this inspiring scholar. Standing out for her  leadership, among her greatest contributions to the field were her enthusiasm and passion, always tinged with humour and kindness, through which she galvanised, inspired and trained many cohorts of young scholars. Titik led missions to catalogue and digitize manuscripts all over the archipelago. Never flagging, she was on a field trip to document manuscripts in West Java when she was taken ill and, shortly after, passed away. She leaves behind ad daughter, Tisya, and grandson, Gaga.

Thanks to Annabel Gallop for both the text and photo in this obituary.

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