Ubud Writers and Readers Festival opens with a message of peace

Ubud Writers and Readers Festival opens with a message of peace

Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Ubud, Bali

Around 100 Indonesian and foreign writers, actors, dancers and
scholars enthusiastically attended the solemn opening of the
second Ubud Writers and Readers' Festival 2005 at the grand Puri
Ubud royal palace on Friday night.

Among the guests and participants were Timor Leste President
Xanana Gusmao and First Lady Kirsty Gusmao; writer and Booker
Prize winner Michael Ondaatje, award-winning Indian author Amitav
Gosh and senior journalist Aristides Katoppo. Others joining the
four-day event included theater actors, playwrights and
publishers.

Despite the Oct. 1 bombings, only a few people registered for
the event canceled and organizers said the turnout indicated the
strong commitment of participants to make the festival a success.

"We come here to Bali to show our solidarity, our friendship
and trust of the people of Bali," Kirsty Gusmao said in her
opening speech. The chain-smoking Xanana looked relaxed and was
busy taking photographs, while his wife was elegantly clad in a
purple-colored gown.

The festival's executive director, writer Janet De Neefe said,
"I feel so grateful to have such tremendous support. The festival
is sending a strong message to the world that we are here to
deliver the message of peace."

Preceded by a welcoming dance performed by a dozen women in
glittering Balinese costumes (photo above) the atmosphere at Puri
Ubud was upbeat and welcoming.

The nobles of Ubud palace have been renowned as an avid
patrons of the arts and culture since the early l9th century. The
opening ceremony was also highlighted by the energetic Barong
Dance performed "to unite the village, to protect it from any
negative forces."

The opening ceremony continued with the Tribute to Aceh
performance.