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