Community-Driven Digitization of Ancient Manuscripts: Communication Strategies and Organizational Practices in Wikisource Indonesia

This study examines the role of the Wikisource Indonesia Community, a volunteer-based organization, in digitizing ancient manuscripts. It explores the communication strategies and organizational practices that help the community manage this project. Using a qualitative approach, the research involved interviewing key members, including the founder, manuscript experts, and volunteers who are directly involved in the digitization work. Data was collected over seven months through in-depth interviews and participant observation, where the researcher attended meetings, recorded discussions, and observed digitization activities. The data was then analyzed to identify key themes and cross-checked for accuracy. The findings show that effective communication, both within the community and with external partners, is crucial for smooth coordination. The community stays connected using WhatsApp groups and Zoom meetings, even though members are spread out geographically. However, there were common challenges like miscommunication, technical issues, and leadership gaps. Despite these hurdles, a strong sense of identity and a shared commitment to preserving Indonesia’s cultural heritage kept volunteers motivated. Regular updates and transparent decision-making also helped the community overcome these challenges. This study sheds light on how volunteer-driven projects can successfully preserve cultural heritage and highlights the importance of shared purpose and open communication in keeping volunteers engaged and motivated.