Denpasar - His deep passion and strong drive for preserving Bali`s ancient lontar (dried palmyra leaves) heritage has cost him sleepless nights.
But nothing can stop 20-year-old Ida Bagus Gde Subali Manuaba from getting more and more absorbed in this ancient art.
Except for attending his daily classes at a literature department in a university in Denpasar, Subali devotes all his leisure time to making inscriptions and drawings on lontar in the Balinese style.
Continuing the ancient art requires serious study of classical books, such as the Veda, Hindu scriptures and autobiographies of legendary figures.
As all the classical books are written in Sanskrit, he has taken it upon himself to translate the valuable information gleaned into picture symbols -- delicate work that requires careful judgment.
Also helpful in accomplishing his work is having a sound knowledge of modern sciences such as history, psychology and sociology, as well as a deep commitment to staying faithful to tradition and mores passed onto Balinese community through generations.
"I can`t sleep for weeks if I can`t find a clue for a suitable interpretation," Subali said at his home in Abian Semal district in Badung regency, north of Bali`s capital city Denpasar.
One of his works on lontar, titled "Atma Prasungsia" (A Soul`s Journey to Heaven) that he created using information he gleaned through reading the classics, aims to provide today`s youth with guidance in observing religious and ethical norms.
Youngsters, many of whom are exposed to modern lifestyles, will find "Atma Prasungsia" an interesting read, as it presents old mores and traditions in a sequence of attractive illustrations, much like a comic book.
Readers can easily associate themselves with the characters in the illustrations as they are similar to those used in shadow puppetry.
Despite his youth, Subali has already made a significant contribution to preserving the tradition and the making of Balinese lontar.
He has also assisted his father, Ida Bagus Gde Jelantik, in rewriting old lontar manuscripts at the request of the Denpasar city administration cultural office, temple organizations and village heads.
These old manuscripts contain valuable information, pertaining to land use, agricultural rules and the structure and functions of temple organizations. They need to be rewritten yet again as the old ones are showing signs of damage.
His father, who is prominent in the Balinese community, has entrusted Subali with this important work, because of the proficiency he has shown in lontar engravings.
When still quite young, Subali trained himself in the art of lontar engravings and excelled in a lontar engraving competition for students. The annual competition, held in conjunction with the recent Bali Art Festival, seeks to popularize the ancient art among young people.
His achievement has enabled him to hold courses for tourists interested in the art of lontar engravings.
"These courses are for free. Tourists from Japan are particularly keen to master the art of lontar," he said.
Those who take the course first have to get used to the pen. They use the point of the pen to sketch neat rows of characters or drawings at regular intervals.
Experienced engravers manage to apply just the right amount of pressure with the pen, thus avoiding tearing a hole in the lontar`s fragile surface, making patience and diligence a must in training those more accustomed to using a ballpoint pen to write.
A lontar manuscript can survive for decades, or even centuries, if it is well-kept and protected against changing weather conditions.
For this purpose, candle nut oil is applied to the lontar surface and placed inside a box locally known as kropak.
Like a book, a lontar manuscript is bound to hold it together. A string inserted into a hole in the center keeps the lontar pages in the right order. A hard cover, made of bamboo, is added to hold the lontar pages in place.
Subali is keen to continue his activities for the sake of preserving Bali`s lontar heritage.
Despite the hard work, Subali said he enjoys his work, as preserving the cultural heritage gives him a deep satisfaction. It never crossed his mind to expect money in return, he says.
As he was born into the upper social class, he regards it as his responsibility to preserve the ancient art.
After completing his study, he intends to follow in his father`s footsteps and become a religious teacher while also encouraging young people to keep Bali`s traditional art and culture alive.
"Just knowing that one day, those joining the course will practice the art or teach others to do the same is enough for me," he said.
Source: http://old.thejakartapost.com (1 Agustus 2008)
