Dutch writer honored in Bali

DENPASAR, Bali: Hedwig Ingrid Rignodis Hinzler, a scholar from Holland, has been nominated for an award by the Bali provincial government for her role in preserving local art and culture through her writings, Antara reported yesterday.

Hinzler, 55, a staff lecturer of Indonesian studies at the education department of Leiden University, has written more than 20 books on Balinese art and culture in English.

Hinzler, who is being nominated for the Seni Dharma Kusuma award, along with six others, is now in Puri Kerambitan near Denpasar working on a three-volume book on Balinese literature, the news agency said.

The other nominees include writer and screen director I Gusti Ngurah Putu Wijaya, sculptor Wayan Pugeg, Balinese literature expert Wayan Japa, sculptor I Nyoman Tanggap, and artists I Gede Geruh and I Gusti Ngurah Windya.

The Seni Dharma Kusuma award has been given each year since 1974 to mark Bali's anniversary. It is given to people in recognition of their contributions in preserving Balinese art and culture. (09)