Korrie Layun: East Kalimantan`s Literary Icon

Balikpapan, East Kalimantan - Following the publication of Balikpapan Dalam Sastra Indonesia (Balikpapan in Indonesian Literature), in early 2008, Korrie Layun Rampan released Balikpapan Kota Tercinta (Balikpapan, Beloved City) in August that same year. Korrie`s passion for the growth of literature in East Kalimantan became apparent in 2005 when he launched a collection of the region`s short stories, Bingkisan Petir (A Gift of Lightning). His work has aroused a zeal in his juniors for literary creation, and has motivated his contemporaries to craft masterpieces.

Born in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, on August 17, 1953, Korrie finished high school in Samarinda and continued his college studies in Yogyakarta where he joined a literary group, the Persada Study Club, under Umbu Landu Paranggi. This club produced famous writers such as Emha Ainun Nadjib and Linus Suryadi AG.

In 1978, Korrie worked in Jakarta as a journalist and book editor for various publishers. He later became a radio announcer for RRI and a presenter for TVRI, and then the managing editor of Sarinah magazine.

Since 2001, Korrie has been the chief editor and director of Sendawar Pos daily. He is also now chairman of West Kutai regency administration`s Commission I for administrative and legal affairs.

Cultural preservation has become Korrie`s literary signature. His works offer profound insights into the natural and traditional richness of his region, where the indigenous ethnic peoples constitute a minority.

“Everything inspires me to write; trees, forests, pretty girls, handsome boys, old men. whatever. even TV programs or newspaper reports. My stories combine experiences and imagination - each reflecting life. I want readers to gain positive values from them,” he told The Jakarta Post recently.

“Everyone has an individual perception. Whether or not a message can be translated to readers depends on what they conclude. Unlike mathematics, story writing is anybody`s guess or may suggest multiple meanings.”

Korrie has written around 200 titles comprising novels, short stories, poems, essays and literary criticism. His novels Upacara (Ceremony) and Api Awan Asap won the Jakarta Art Council novel awards in 1976 and 1998, respectively. Several of his short stories, essays, book reviews, screenplays and journalistic reports have also won prizes. Korrie`s other honors include the Kaltim Post Award 2004 and the government`s Arts Award 2006, for his dedication, innovation, creativity, achievements and loyalty to the literary world for more than 30 years.

Korrie has also written around 50 children`s stories, two of which, Cuaca di Atas Gunung dan Lembah (The Weather Atop the Mountain and Hill, 1985) and Manusia Langit (Heavenly Man, 1997) received awards from Yayasan Buku Utama (foundation for major books) and the Education Ministry.

Owing to his journalistic and cultural work, Korrie has often traveled around Indonesia and overseas to speak about Indonesian literature and culture. His present jobs require him to travel back and forth between West Kutai and Jakarta. Nurni Sulaiman

Some tips:

• Read lots of newspapers, magazines and books to broaden your literary horizons.
• Visit bookstores often to learn about the latest literary developments and trends.
• Maintain communications with colleagues in the arts or join literary communities to enrich your perspective.
• Respond to inspirations from diverse sources - like your environment, somebody`s life, experiences and so forth.
• Be confident in your own potential, regardless of your social status.
• Never hesitate to begin and introduce your stories to the public.
• For beginners, learn from your experience or environment, and combine this with your mind to create interesting stories.
• Choose any theme you wish, for example affection, the environment, religion etc.
• Never imitate market trends: Be yourself.
• Never be shy to ask senior literary persons or to consult sources connected with literary works.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com (19 April 2009)
Photo: http://pusatbahasa.diknas.go.id

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