Unveiling the Journey: The DEKSA Team’s Story.

DEKSA
3 min readApr 23, 2024

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Kori Kamandungan, the entrance to the Karaton Surakarta Hadiningrat. Its grand size is a powerful statement, a reflection of the king’s authority and the palace’s enduring majesty.

Have you ever wondered what goes into creating a website or social media presence for a historical landmark? While it might seem like a simple task at first glance, building a website for the Karaton Surakarta Hadiningrat, a palace steeped in Javanese history, presented a unique set of challenges for the DEKSA team. This article explores the fascinating process behind showcasing Javanese culture through a digital lens.

Beyond Aesthetics: Unveiling the Scholarly Side

While creativity plays a vital role, the DEKSA team goes beyond crafting beautiful visuals and captions. Their work delves into the realm of historical and scientific research. Their mission is to establish themselves as a trusted resource for Javanese culture. This means every story shared undergoes a rigorous validation process, ensuring accuracy and preserving historical integrity.

A Collaborative Effort: Unveiling the DEKSA Network

Building this website wasn’t a solo endeavor. The DEKSA team collaborated with a diverse network of individuals. Researchers from the Karaton itself provided invaluable insights, while the team also hired their own dedicated historians and humanities scholars. Gaining access to the Palace’s vast library required the support of the Royal Family. Additionally, Javanese script translators played a crucial role in deciphering ancient texts, allowing the storytelling team to craft compelling narratives based on these historical discoveries.

Abdi Dalem (Courtier) of Karaton Surakarta.

A Journey Through Time: Unveiling the Hidden Processes

Building this website wasn’t just about acquiring the latest software. It was a journey through time itself. Gaining access to the library involved navigating protocols and procedures to ensure the delicate preservation of historical materials. Likewise, building trust with the Palace elders demanded respect for traditions. Every step, from handling centuries-old archives to potentially performing ceremonies for ancestral permission (a practice rooted in Javanese culture), highlighted the complexity of the process. Imagine the meticulous task of translating faded Javanese script into Indonesian, followed by the careful verification and interpretation of the information before transforming it into a captivating story.

Intrigued by the Process? Let’s Spark Your Imagination

Imagine this: a fragile manuscript, centuries old, its pages whispering forgotten stories. Does simply holding it require specific protocols to prevent damage? Does turning each page feel like a delicate dance with history itself?

Finding a Javanese script translator was akin to unearthing a hidden treasure. How many scholars did they need to contact to find someone who could breathe life back into these ancient texts?

The sheer number of people involved underscores the intricate nature of this project. Every article you read represents countless hours of research, meticulous attention to detail, and a dedication to preserving cultural heritage.

Sacred traditional dances are performed at the Karaton Surakarta.

Conclusion

The DEKSA team’s journey highlights the importance of perseverance and dedication in historical preservation. By understanding the challenges involved in this process, we gain a deeper appreciation for the stories they share. This website serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in Javanese culture, offering a glimpse into the fascinating world behind the digital presentation of history.

Disclaimer: DEKSA collaborates with Karaton Surakarta but operates independently. Views expressed are DEKSA’s own.

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