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Respected authors awarded Rancage
Two respected Balinese authors have received the Rancage, a prestigious literary prize initiated by West Javaâs influential author Ajip Rosidi
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wo respected Balinese authors have received the Rancage, a prestigious literary prize initiated by West Java's influential author Ajip Rosidi.
I Wayan Westa was honored for his short story compilation Tutur Bali (Balinese Counsel) while I Gusti Made Sutjaja was honored for his scholarly works, as well as his dedication to the development of the Balinese language.
Rancage is an annual award initially bestowed for the best works in West Java's Sundanese language. It later evolved into the country's sole literary accolade for works written in ethnic languages. This year the Rancage for Sundanese literature enters its 26th year, while for Javanese literature it is its 21st year, Balinese literature its 18th year and Lampung literature its 4th year.
The chairman of the award committee, Rosidi, revealed that there were 19 literary books in the Balinese language published in 2013, more than double the number in the previous year. The books included eight plays, novels, poetry anthologies and short story anthologies. These publications were the materials considered for the award.
The selection committee disclosed that seven books caught their attention. They were two novels, Benang-benang Samben (Samben's Threads) by IGG Djelantik Santha and Sing Jodoh (Not Meant to Be) by I Made Sugianto; two poetry anthologies, Padang Tuh (Dry Grasses) by Tudekamatra and Ngantih Bulan (Spinning the Moon); and three short-story anthologies, Tutur Bali by I Wayan Westa, Nguntul Tanah Nulengek Langit by I Made Suarsa, and Bulan Stawak by Agus Sutrarama.
Rosidi praised Tutur Bali for its powerful and clear language. It comprises 44 short stories that deal with various issues, from terrorism to HIV/AIDS.
The second recipient, Sutjaja, is a lecturer at Udayana University and a passionate lexicographer, who for years has compiled a Balinese dictionary, as well as Balinese to English and Japanese dictionaries. He received his master and doctorate degrees at the University of Sydney in Australia.
Member of Rancage selection committee, Prof. Dr. I Nyoman Darma Putra, revealed that 2013 was a very productive year for Balinese literature.
