The Second Singaraja Literary Festival, with the theme of “The Energy of Mother Earth” was held in Singaraja 23-25 August, 2024 and had something for everyone. Over fifty speakers and thirteen performances were on the agenda, bringing a vast array of writers, musicians, choreographers and costume designers who presented events not usually seen at other local and international literary conferences.
While this festival was primarily to showcase Bahasa Indonesia writers, nevertheless, it included some very impressive English language stars including the well-known, erudite Indian poet/photographer, Sudeep Sen; poet, Narisa Guevera from the Philippines; poet, Sally Breem from Australia; and travel writer, Phillip Cornwel-Smith from Thailand. Others were part of fruitful and informative workshops.
Also included were children’s activities that were attended by many little enthusiastic little people who seemed to be having a great time. Included in the children’s events was a book launch of a colorful book to help children who were scared, using a little bird as the vehicle.
The setting was ideal and was right next to a museum featuring old, lontar manuscripts. The museum had a really knowledgeable guide who was able to answer a plethora of questions. It was the sort of small museum that could easily be visited again and again because there was so much to see and to learn about relating to the history of Bali.
Food stalls were well-located and featured well-priced, delicious, local foods and fantastic coffees which included famous Indonesian varieties plus, as an unexpected special feature, one stall served Vietnamese coffee. Another booth that particularly caught my eye was selling coconut oil but also sorghum products which were delicious. Sorghum is a grain that is not readily used in today’s world, and it was a treat to discover such a product to incorporate into home cuisine. Sorghum biscuits were different but practically addictive.
After attending this worthwhile conference, many of the attendees are already looking forward to seeing what will be on the agenda for the Singaraja Literary Festival in 2025!