Author Pramoedya to receive award

JAKARTA: Noted author Pramoedya Ananta Toer has been named the 2003 Freedom of Expression Award winner by the Norwegian Authors' Union for his contribution to the literary world and struggle for the people's right to freedom of expression.

The award will be presented by the union's president, Geir Pollen, on June 2 at Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) art center in Central Jakarta. Pramoedya will also receive a Rp 125 million (US$13,477) cash prize.

The Norwegian Authors' Union is an organization concerned with the development of Norwegian literature. For years, the union has been involved in the international solidarity movement, by providing financial support for publication projects in, among other countries, Nicaragua and Palestine. --JP