Several Indonesian Authors Will Attend UWRF 2009

Denpasar, Bali - This year`s Ubud Writers and Readers Festival (UWRF) will be graced by the presence of several of Indonesia`s most celebrated authors, including the award-winning short story writer and essayist Seno Gumira Ajidarma.

Initially Wayan Juniartha, the Indonesian Program Coordinator, as he told to ANTARA, in Denpasar, Monday, that Ajidarma would rather “be a listener than be a speaker” at the UWRF 2009.

“There will be other Indonesian authors in that literature world event besides Ajidarma, in Ubud, Bali, in the next 11-17 October. Also several the very impressive and well known international authors, such as JM Coetzee, Kate Grenville, and Hari Kunzu. They will share their experiences to the readers,” says he.

However, following an intense SMS debate on the nature of violence and compassion, Ajidarma eventually agreed to appear and speak in this UWRF 2009, and is known for being a prolific author, journalist and lecturer, holds a PhD in Literature, and has taught at some of the country`s most prominent universities.

He was the recipient of the SEA Write Award in 1987 and the Dinny O`Hearn Prize for Literary Translation in 1997 and awarded Indonesia`s most prestigious literary prize, the Khatulistiwa Award, in two consecutive years in 2004 and 2005.

His works feature topics that encompass a broad spectrum of the country`s social, political and cultural dynamic; from the officially-condoned executions of street thugs in Penembak Misterius, through the violence in East Timor in Saksi Mata, to Wisanggeni, Sang Buronan, a contemporary take on an ancient lore.

As one of most outstanding authors in Indonesia, he writes fiction and non-fiction works with similar fluency, candour and non-conventional approaches. His non-fiction works include Sembilan Wali dan Syekh Siti Jenar, a daring examination on the myths and facts surrounded the respected Moslem sages of Java.

Presently, he is working on Naga Bumi, a story that is published in installments in the Suara Merdeka daily newspaper. Naga Bumi brings Seno back to the genre he has always loved, the Cerita Silat genre, which centres on the exploits of martial art masters.

Wayan told to ANTARA that everyone is invited to participate in this UWRF 2009 event. “Get in quick and save, early bird tickets for a four day pass are now available online at ten percent off the normal price. This offer is open for a limited time only. Buy now and get a few massages, a facial or dine out in one of Ubud`s glorious restaurants with your savings,” says he.

Source: http://www.antara.co.id
Photo: http://www.budiputra.com

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