13 Writers from Bali and Nusa Tenggara Qualify for the SLF 2026 Emerging Writers Programme
Thirteen short story writers from Bali, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) have been selected for the 2026 Emerging Writers programme, organised by the Singaraja Literary Festival (SLF) in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Culture through the National Talent Management (MTN) Lab and Presentation programme.
The selected writers will participate in intensive online training from 19-22 May 2026. They are also scheduled to attend and present their work at the SLF event, which will take place in Singaraja from 3-5 July 2026.
The 13 selected writers are Agus Wiratama (Bali), Bunga Damai Prasasti (NTB), Eyok El Abrorii (NTB), Beatrix Polen Aran (NTT), I Gede Aries Pidrawan (Bali), I Made Sugianto (Bali), Intan Soraya (NTB), Lina PW (Bali), Lisa Pingge (NTT), Mariemon Simon (NTT), Nityasa Wijaya (Bali), Novita Hidayani (NTB), and Puspa Seruni (Bali).
Founder of SLF, Made Adnyana Ole, said that the Emerging Writers programme aims to identify talented short story writers from the Bali-Nusa Tenggara region. The curation and mentoring process for the programme is carried out by Royyan Julian, Kiki Sulistyo, and Maria Pankratia.
“In addition, they are invited and facilitated by the Ministry of Culture to attend the SLF, and they will present their works,” said Ole during a press conference at the Mahima Singaraja Community on Saturday (16 May 2026).
Founder and Director of SLF, Kadek Sonia Piscayanti, explained that the selection process was rigorous. A total of 65 writers from Bali, NTB, and NTT submitted hundreds of short stories and short story premises for curation.
According to Sonia, the curators assessed the works based on the maturity of the language, the sharpness of the thematic exploration, and the potential for access for emerging writers.
“Royyan pays attention to language as the primary tool in short story writing, so maturity is a major consideration in addition to the originality of the work,” said Sonia.
Meanwhile, Kiki Sulistyo assessed that the exploration of themes and the novelty of perspectives were important factors in determining the quality of the stories. Maria Pankratia, on the other hand, focused on providing access for emerging writers to have space to develop.
Sonia added that the MTN Lab and Presentation are part of the national priority programme, MTN Seni Budaya, which is managed by the Ministry of Culture. The programme is designed to identify, develop, and promote Indonesian artistic and cultural talent in a structured manner.
“This programme also serves as a space for the creation and development of literary works with fresh ideas from Bali, NTB, and NTT,” she added.
This year, SLF carries the theme of Stri Sasana, which is expanded into Energi Keseimbangan Semesta. The theme is interpreted as an effort to ignite the energy of balance through the ability to adapt, to be resilient in facing challenges, and to be wise in carrying out multiple roles in social life.