Authors awarded by MSI

Authors awarded by MSI

JAKARTA: Two history writers -- Rosihan Anwar and Ramadhan KH
-- were honored for their contribution to historical writing from
the Indonesian Society of Historians (MSI) on Tuesday. The two
were also made honorary MSI members.

Among several books written by senior journalist Rosihan is
the popular Kisah-kisah Jakarta Setelah Proklamasi (Stories of
Jakarta since Proclamation). Ramadhan, 74, is better known for
his numerous biographies, including that of former president
Soeharto. A surprised Ramadhan said the official recognition
might also become "a burden, because I will now be expected to
write better."

Rosihan, 79, said he was "very happy" to gain "the recognition
of professional historians" especially in light of the fact that
he never attended university.

During the ceremony Azyumardi Azra, rector of the Jakarta
State Institute of Islamic Studies, said on behalf of the Society
that the recipients were given the awards "because of their
important contribution to historical writing". --JP