Development of a Web-Based Digital Media of Serat Babad Tuban: Application and Usability Evaluation for Local History Digital Literacy

Abstract

Ancient manuscripts, as tangible cultural heritage, represent evidence of civilization, local wisdom, and intellectual wealth. These manuscripts possess unique characteristics that require special attention to prevent deterioration. Serat Babad Tuban is one such manuscript, encompassing historical, social, and political values. The preservation of ancient manuscripts can be conducted through conservation, restoration, digitization, and cataloging. The integration of technology into manuscript preservation reflects a form of digital literacy. This study develops a web-based version of Serat Babad Tuban as an effort to transform the manuscript into digital literacy while addressing aspects of usability, compatibility, accessibility, and interactivity. The objective of this research is to preserve the manuscript and simultaneously provide a digital-based resource for Tuban’s local history. The research method employed is research and development (R&D). The results of media expert validation indicated a feasibility score of 83%, while field testing achieved a final score of 88.75%, suggesting that the web-based application demonstrates a high level of feasibility according to standardized educational media evaluation metrics. The novelty of this study lies in the development of local history digital literacy through a web-based digitization approach that integrates usability evaluation, moving beyond mere text digitization. The strengths of the developed application include high accessibility, its function as a medium for digital literacy, and its contribution to cultural heritage preservation. The main challenges involve development costs and data security. Future recommendations highlight the need for enhanced responsive web design, improved navigation features, and integration with digital repository systems to ensure sustainability.