14 Balinese artists, scholars honored
DENPASAR, Bali: Governor Dewa Made Beratha bestowed the Dharma Kusuma Award to 14 artists and scholars on Thursday for their distinguished achievements in and significant contributions to the preservation and development of local arts and culture.
Dharma Kusuma, which literally means the "flower of duty", is the highest commendation in the field of arts and culture issued by the Bali administration.
The recipients included Nengah Tinggen, the author of at least 29 books on Balinese language and literature, western-educated choreographer I Wayan Dibia and Wayan Geriya, who is one of the most respected cultural thinkers on the island.
Each received a certificate of commendation, a gold medal and Rp 5 million in cash.
"It is an honor for me and also a driving force to work harder and create more in the future," Dibia said.
Ida Bagus Putu Wesnawa, who chairs the Bali chapter of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), was also among the recipients.
Each of the recipients was selected by a seven-member committee from among dozens of candidates submitted by nine regencies. --JP
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Student missing on Mount Rinjani
MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: A student at Bali's Udayana University was reported missing while trekking on Mount Rinjani in West Nusa Tenggara last week.
The student, identified as Mahawira, is the son of I Made Suarjaya, the director-general of Hindu and Buddhist affairs at the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
The head of the Mataram search and rescue team, Ida Bagus Budisma, said on Thursday Mahawira's parents in Denpasar had reported the disappearance of their son and his friend, Agus Tresna, on Aug. 11. The two had begun their trek on Aug. 9.
Agus was found alive but weak on the mountain, Budisma said.
"We received the report of the victims' disappearance on Aug. 11 at 8:35 p.m.," he said.
Agus was quoted as saying that Mahawira failed to return after going for water.
Seven members of the search and rescue have been deployed to search for Mahawira, assisted by 20 students from Udayana University. --JP
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Hundreds to contest DPD election
SEMARANG: At least 430 people have picked up registration forms to contest the 2004 election for the Central Java Regional Representatives Council (DPD).
The possible candidates include prominent cleric and poet Mustofa Bisri from Nahdlatul Ulama, poet Ahmad Tohari and former Central Java governors Maj. Gen. (ret) Soewardi and Maj. Gen. (ret) A.A. Soegiyo.
Former Diponegoro Military commander Maj. Gen. (ret) Harsudiono Hartas and a member of the Surakarta royal court, Mangkunegoro IX, are also among those who have picked up registration forms.
The 430 people -- 379 men and 51 women -- picked up the forms from the Central Java General Elections Commission (KPUD).
"The registration opened on July 8 and will close on Sept. 8," Central Java KPUD head Hasyim Asy'ari said on Friday. --JP