Palm leaf manuscripts from royal surakarta, Indonesia: deterioration phenomena and care practices

The aims of this research were to identify deterioriation processes of lontar (palm leaf)manuscripts and to describe traditional handling and care of such manuscripts stored in the library of Rekso Pustoko, Surakarta. Environmental conditions were monitored and interviews regarding handling and preservation practices were conducted; furthermore, the current physical condition of lontar manuscripts was documented within a survey. Librarians still use some traditional methods to clean and improve the flexibility of palm leaves such as applying a mixture of minyak sereh (lemon grass oil) and bubuk kemiri (candlenut powder) to the surface of the leaves. This paper recommends some further preservation methods in order to prevent deterioration and damage in the future.