TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Rancagé awards face recurring challenges in promoting regional literature
The Rancagé awards are given annually based on the assessment of literary works in book format written in regional mother tongues.
Change text size
Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
An artistic depiction of literary works. (Shutterstock/Triff)
S
ince 1989, the Rancagé Cultural Foundation has consistently organized the Rancagé Literary Awards to honor literary works written in regional languages as a form of appreciation for local literature. However, the challenges in ensuring this appreciation has a broad public impact persist.
The Rancagé awards are given annually based on the assessment of literary works in book format written in the mother tongues of the writers. Initially focusing on works in Sundanese, the awards now cover other regional languages such as Javanese, Balinese, Batak and Lampung. However, works in Madurese and Banjar were not considered as too few books have been submitted for judging.
“We continue to strive to attract readers’ interest, not just because of academic assignments but due to personal awareness,” said Etti RS, Rancagé Cultural Foundation chair, shortly after announcing the 2025 winners in Bandung, West Java, recently.
The 2025 awards judges examined 54 works, including 16 Sundanese titles, 17 Javanese, 14 Balinese, four Batak and three Lampung titles.
The winners of the 2025 Rancagé Literary Awards include Hidayat Soesanto in Sundanese literature (Anggota Déwan Ngagantung Manéh, a compilation of short stories), St. Sri Emyani (Dalan Sidhatan, a poetry anthology) in Javanese literature, Komang Sujana (Renganis poetry anthology) in Balinese literature, Panusunan Simanjuntak (Parhuta-Huta Do Hami, a compilation of short stories) in Batak literature and Udo Z. Karzi (Minan Lela Sebambangan: Selusin Cerita Buntak, a compilation of short stories) in the Lampung literature category. Each winner will receive a certificate and a cash prize of Rp 7.5 million (US$458).
"The details of the award ceremony will be announced later," said Etty, adding that the foundation was still exploring collaboration opportunities with universities and donors.
