SINGARAJA, balitourismnow.com – The fourth Singaraja Literary Festival (SLF) officially opened in North Bali, organized by Mahima Indonesia under the theme “Stri Sasana (The Energy of Universal Balance).”
Inspired by the rich lontar manuscript heritage of Gedong Kirtya, the theme highlights cultural preservation while emphasizing the role of women in shaping cultural identity.
This year’s festival features 42 programs, including book launches, panel discussions, public lectures, art exhibitions, film screenings, and workshops, creating an intimate space for writers, artists, scholars, and literacy advocates from Indonesia and abroad to connect and collaborate.
The opening ceremony at Sasana Budaya Hall, Buleleng, was inaugurated by Buleleng Regent dr. Nyoman Sutjidra, Friday, July 3, 2026.
Alongside Special Staff to the Minister of Culture for Cultural Diplomacy and International Relations Nissa Rengganis, Director of Human Resources for Cultural Institutions at the Ministry of Culture Syukur Asih Suprojo, SLF Founder and Director Kadek Sonia Piscayanti, and other distinguished guests.
Speaking at the opening, Nissa Rengganis praised SLF for attracting both Indonesian and international literary figures.
She noted that the Stri Sasana theme encourages deeper exploration of Indonesia’s lontar manuscript tradition while promoting literature as a platform for cultural diplomacy.
Coinciding with Indonesia’s National Literature Day, she described the festival as an important public space for strengthening the country’s literary and literacy ecosystem.
Syukur Asih Suprojo emphasized that SLF is part of the National Talent Management (MTN) program for Arts and Culture under Presidential Regulation No. 108/2020.
He expressed hope that the festival would help elevate Indonesian literature on the global stage, noting that by 2025 the MTN program had partnered with 58 regencies and cities, collaborated with 208 organizations, and sent cultural delegations to 19 countries.
Regent Nyoman Sutjidra also expressed appreciation to the organizers, partners, and sponsors. He highlighted Singaraja’s historical significance and its potential as a creative hub for literature and performing arts, encouraging participants to transform the ideas and collaborations emerging from the festival into concrete efforts to preserve Indonesia’s cultural heritage.
In her report, Festival Director Kadek Sonia Piscayanti explained that SLF 2026 was made possible through the Ministry of Culture’s National Talent Management program.
She stressed that lontar manuscripts should not only be preserved and studied but also reinterpreted through poetry, theatre, music, and film to keep the tradition relevant for contemporary audiences.
She also congratulated the 13 selected Emerging Writers from Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara, while acknowledging the support of government partners, sponsors, media, communities, and the Asia Pacific Writers and Translators network.
The opening concluded with a theatrical performance by Mahima Indonesia and poetry readings by international participants. The three-day festival will run until 5 July 2026. [buda]