Honors for top short stories

JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Arts Council will select the best of 24 nominees from short stories published in local newspapers this year, the council said in a statement on Wednesday.

The author of the top ranked short story will receive Rp 5 million (US$666), while the other nominees will be awarded Rp 1 million each, the statement said.

The council urged newspapers in the country to nominate six of the short stories they published by submitting them to the council office on Jl. Cikini Raya, Central Jakarta, by Jan. 20 at the latest.

The selection jury includes Sapardi Djoko Damono, Sutardji Calzoum Bachri and Agus R. Sarjono, writer Hamsad Rankuti and observer Ignas Kleden.

The best short story will be announced in March. Nominated stories will be published in a collection. (jun)