Teens Set Up Literary Group: Bali

By Barrie | August 2nd, 2007 | No Comments

Ni Made Frischa Aswarini, a student at SMA 7 high school in Denpasar, Bali, is a frequent visitor to Danes Art Cafi in Tanjung Bungkak, Sanur. While most of her friends spend their time going to movies, malls or sports centers, Frischa prefers spending her afternoons lost in the cafe’s library, reading books like Larung, the latest offering from Ayu Utami.

Welcome to Komunitas Dua Saja, a community literary hub. Established on May 24, 2006, the community brings together local students who share an interest in literature.

Since its establishment, group members have been active in numerous literary events at both the local and national levels.

“At first, it was just a hobby and an extracurricular activity at our old school SMP 2. Now, membership is growing daily as we attract more students,” Frischa said.

The students often have the chance to meet with poets and novelists like Jean Couteau and Putu Fajar Arcana, who generously donate their time.

Warih Wisatsana, a Bali-based poet, is full of praise for the group and its young members.

“This is an important forum for the youth to channel their literary aspirations,” said the poet.

Unlike in school, where there is little chance for active participation, turning many students off literature, forum members are fully engaged in the subject.

“In this community, young people are actively involved in discussions, often with experts. Therefore, they directly benefit and gain first-hand knowledge,” Warih said.

Many of the group’s members are actively involved in writing their own poems, short stories and novels.

“Our works have already appeared in some prestigious publications such as Horison literary magazine and the women’s magazine Femina,” Frischa said.

Ni Made Purnama Sari, the community’s coordinator, won second prize at a literary competition sponsored by the University of Diponegoro in Semarang, Central Java. Sari has won several national literary contests.

“I feel so happy to know that our works are appreciated,” says the talented young writer.

Another member, Ni Putu Rastiti, won first place at a contest held by a Jembrana literary association.

For many of its members, joining Komunitas Dua Saja has been a life-changing experience.

“I used to roam malls buying trendy clothes and shoes. Now, I prefer to go to bookstores,” said Frischa.

Reading novels and writing poems has opened up a whole new world for these young people.

“By reading good books, we learn so many valuable things about life, about people,” Sari said.

One notable characteristic of the community is that most of the members are girls. Boys, it seems, have other interests.

“They prefer to play soccer or to go to video game centers,” Frischa said.

The community has plans to establish a website and publish members’ work online. And it hopes to help in setting up a public library.

These teens have shown their interest and commitment to the development of Indonesian literary arts. Who knows, in the future they may become the country’s leading literary lights.

Anton Muhajir