Tombstones in the Indonesian Archipelago represent one of the most significant aspects of Islamic archaeology in Indonesia. Beyond marking final resting places, these stones embody profound religious and philosophical symbolism connected to the understanding of divinity within Islamic culture. Across many parts of the Archipelago, tombstones have become spiritual symbols that reflect the relationship between humankind and God, while also revealing the influence of local traditions on Islamic teachings.
The manuscripts of the Wali Nusantara—texts written by saints and key Islamic figures of the region—likewise explore themes of divinity, the afterlife, and spiritual teachings rooted in local communities. Figures such as Sunan Gunung Jati, Sunan Kalijaga, Sunan Ampel, and Sunan Giri were not only preachers who spread Islam but also thinkers who shaped the people’s understanding of God, life, and death through their sermons, teachings, and writings.
The 14th Borobudur Writers and Cultural Festival (BWCF 2025) seeks to highlight the theme “The Aesthetics of Nusantara Islamic Tombstones and the Divine Realm of the Syattariyah Tariqa in Cirebon.”
Recently, the National Museum of Indonesia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, held a major exhibition on the history of Islam in the Archipelago titled Misykat: The Light of Islamic Civilization in the Indonesian Archipelago. Among the displays were Indonesia’s oldest Qur’an and abklats (paper impressions) of ancient Acehnese tombstones.
The National Museum currently holds more than 2,000 abklats of ancient tombstones from Aceh, rich with symbols, ornaments, and epitaphs of deep philosophical meaning—many of which remain insufficiently studied. Continuing this spirit, BWCF will bring together scholars to discuss the theological meanings found in the symbols and inscriptions of ancient graves across the Archipelago, as well as in suluk (mystical treatises) and manuscripts of Sufi tariqa, particularly the Syattariyah Tariqa of Cirebon.
Through these discussions, it is hoped that experts can offer the public a deeper understanding of how local culture influenced Islamic burial practices in the Archipelago, and how these practices relate to the theological concepts expressed in the manuscripts of the Wali Nusantara.
This year’s festival also serves as a tribute to the late archaeologist Uke Tjandrasasmita, a University of Indonesia scholar who devoted his life to studying the Islamic gravestones of the Archipelago. His book Arkeologi Islam Nusantara (Islamic Archaeology of the Indonesian Archipelago) remains a fundamental reference for anyone studying the historical traces of Islam in Indonesia.
The 14th BWCF is deliberately held in Cirebon, a city chosen not only for its significant Islamic archaeological heritage but also for its central role in the spread of Islam on the island of Java. Cirebon played a vital role in the political and religious dynamics of the 15th and 16th centuries, influencing the development of later Islamic kingdoms on the island—most notably the Sultanate of Banten. As a historic heritage city, Cirebon preserves an abundance of cultural sites: the royal palaces (Kasepuhan, Kanoman, and Kacirebonan), ancient mosques, palace gardens, and more. Among its most important heritage sites are its ancient Islamic cemeteries, which bear witness to the evolution of Islam in the region.
Today, these graves remain popular destinations for religious pilgrimage, though serious academic research on them is still limited. Yet, the study of burial sites offers valuable insight into the intellectual history of Islam in the past—its networks, influences, and connections with figures across regional and international spheres.
As in previous years, BWCF will not only feature the main symposium, cultural keynote lectures, and public talks but will also include book launches, literary programs, and performing arts events. It is hoped that this year’s festival will offer substantial and inspiring content, serving as a reference for students, researchers, lecturers, writers, and artists alike.
