"This year, the government reaffirms its commitment to paying close attention to Indonesia's literary communities by presenting awards and assistance to them," Language Agency's Head E. Aminudin Aziz remarked at the agency's office in East Jakarta on Saturday (July 8).
The event was also held to appreciate poets and writers for their works for Indonesia, as well as to commemorate National Literature Day, which falls every July 3.
Through the Literary Event, the government also aims to show appreciation to young potential literary maestros in regions, including the students of Manado Public Senior High School 7 from North Sulawesi, who came to perform musical poetry at the event.
"This year's National Literature Day celebration is special because the Language Agency is strengthening collaboration with our partner Horison magazine and presenting awards to communities that are still active under the agency," he remarked.
The agency's head revealed that there were 1,018 parties submitting proposals to receive assistance and awards. A total of 53 communities were then chosen as the recipients of three categories of assistance and awards: literary program facilitation, awards for communities, and awards for individuals.
Several Indonesian literary maestros, such as Taufiq Ismail, Sutardji Calzoum Bahri, and Putu Wijaya, also joined the festivity of the night by reciting their literature.
Ismail opened the event by reciting four of his poems:
1. Perang Ini Harus Kita Menangkan (We Must Win This War);
2. Celupkan Jarimu ke Air Lautan (Dip Your Fingers into the Ocean);
3. Palestina, Bagaimana Aku Bisa Melupakanmu (Palestine, How Can I Forget You);
4. Kita Merindukan Anak-anak Indonesia (We Miss Indonesian Children)
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Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
