As many countries around the world compete to promote the arts, economy, and technology as expressions of national identity, Cambodia has long expressed its identity through the depth of its cultural heritage. Among the luminous achievements of Khmer history, the classical tale “Inav–Bussiba,” believed to have originated in the Khmer Royal Court during the 18th–19th centuries, stands out as a reflection of the diverse and refined character of Khmer–ASEAN cultural influence. It confirms not only the creative brilliance of the Khmer people, but also the height of the nation’s artistic and intellectual spirit.

This work is not merely a love story. It conveys the core moral values of Khmer civilization—honesty, loyalty, dignity, self-sacrifice, perseverance, and ethical conduct—which together reflect the intellectual maturity and spiritual depth of a nation with a long and dignified historical journey.

*A Recognition of Global Significance

On October 30, 2025, Cambodia commemorates the 8th anniversary (2017–2025) of Inav–Bussiba being inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. This recognition is more than a cultural milestone—it is a testament that Khmer literature possesses philosophical, sociological, and psychological sophistication on par with the world’s major civilizations, including Europe, the Arab world, India, and East Asia.

This confirms that Cambodia is not only a land of temples and ancient monuments,

but also a nation with a deep tradition of literary knowledge and human understanding cultivated and preserved over centuries.
On this occasion, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, extended his congratulations and encouragement, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding this cultural memory as part of our national dignity.

*A Record of Cultural and Literary Stature

Inav–Bussiba demonstrates that Cambodia possessed a highly developed literary and poetic tradition in the 18th–19th centuries—fully comparable to:
• the Arabic One Thousand and One Nights,
• the Japanese Tale of Genji, and
• the Indian epics Mahābhārata and Rāmāyana.

It affirms that the Khmer people have long practiced refined writing, narrative composition, and philosophical storytelling, equal in stature to the great literary cultures of the world.

*Love as a Moral Philosophy, Not Mere Emotion

The love between Inav and Bussiba is not a superficial emotional attraction.
It represents:
• Loyalty beyond life and death,
• Honor as a foundation of moral identity, and
• Self-restraint in the face of desire.

This form of love reflects the concept of Ethical Love, similar to the noble love ideals found in classical European court literature and the pure, principled love embodied in ancient Indian epics.
Their story proves that love in Khmer literature is profound, principled, and psychologically meaningful—a reflection of national identity, cultural ethics, and moral philosophy.

In Summary

Inav–Bussiba is not simply a romance. It is a cultural document, a mirror of Khmer identity, and a testament to the moral consciousness and emotional intelligence of our civilization.
The inclusion of Inav–Bussiba in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register confirms that Khmer literature is a treasure of humanity—a living cultural heritage that we must continue to protect and transmit to future generations.

To preserve Inav–Bussiba is to preserve the soul of Khmer civilization and the dignity of the Cambodian nation. As Prime Minister Hun Manet stated: “Protecting cultural heritage is the duty of every Khmer citizen.”