Bali awards 10 best writers

DENPASAR: The Bali administration has conferred the Widya Pataka Award on 10 authors for their contributions to the island's literary heritage.

The award, handed out annually since 2006, are presented to authors who produce influential publications on, among others, Balinese literature, religion, art and culture, tradition, history and agriculture.

This year's awards were presented Wednesday by Deputy Governor Anak Agung Ngurah Puspayoga to I Gde Dharma (Dasa Tali Dogen, or Just Ten Thousand); Ida Bagus Made Dharma Palguna (Shintany Rabbhana), Ida Bagus Gede Purwita (Wayang), Arif Bagus Prasetyo (Memento), Wayan Gunasta (Bali Ho Ho Ho), I Gde Waan Soken Bandana (Ritual Tolak Bala di Bali, or Ritual of Appeasement in Bali), Nyoman Sadra Dharmawan (Anjing Bali dan Rabies, or Balinese Dogs and Rabies), I Gusti Putu Artha (Konspirasi Media dan Kandidat dalam Pilkada Bali, or Candidate-Media Conspiracy in the Bali Elections), Made Antara (Pertanian, Bangkit atau Bangkrut, or Agriculture, Rise or Go Bust) and I Made Sukarsa (Biaya Upacara Orang Bali, or The Cost of Balinese Rituals).

"Writers play significant roles in enhancing the island's culture," Puspayoga said. - JP