The Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) will conduct several projects to increase potential and skills in creative writing among the community through the Memperkasa Pantun Nusantara project, young writers’ programme and mentoring workshop, DBP Acting Director Hajah Haireni binti Haji Damit said.
“For the Memperkasa Pantun Nusantara project, the bureau invites participation from Sabah, Sarawak and Indonesia,” she said as the guest of honour during an essay poetry writing workshop at the Balai Sarmayuda, DBP yesterday organised by the Brunei Darussalam Association of Writers (Asterawani) in collaboration with the Badan Bahasa dan Sastera (BAHASA) Sabah.
Hajah Haireni said, “What is known is that the genre of essay poetry has become part of the literary genre, first founded and restored in Indonesia. It is undeniable that there are writers in this country, who write long poems.“
“The concept of writing essay poetry also exists in Brunei. It can be seen through the works of Adi Rumi – Melayu Islam Beraja: Mahkota Negara published in 2011 and Perintah Qanun Jenayah Syariah: Neraca Allah published in 2013,” she said.
Hajah Haireni said the workshop will increase the participants’ interest to produce and expand publication works on essay poetry.
Chief 1 of Asterawani Profesor Ampuan Dr Haji Brahim bin Ampuan Haji Tengah and President of BAHASA Sabah Datuk Jasni Matlani delivered appreciation speeches.
The full-day workshop, began at 8am and saw 80 participants including from Sabah.
Three facilitators from abroad shared their expertise during the workshop. Fatin Hamama presented an Introduction and Characteristics of Essay Poetry, Jonminofri Nazri on Essay Poetry Writing Techniques, and Amelia Fitriani on Poetry, Facts, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Essay poetry is an essay (perspective) on a social issue presented in poetic form. It includes drama, plots and characters akin to a short story written in poetic style, enhancing the emotional impact of the conveyed message. Footnotes play a key role in essay poetry as they provide supporting data and references. Fiction is poetically expressed, while real-life facts strengthen the narrative. Essay poetry originated in Indonesia in 2012, and by 2015, approximately 30 books were published by over 100 intellectuals and poets from across Indonesia.
By organising the workshop, writers and literary figures can deepen the understanding of the concept of essay poetry and work hand-in-hand with fellow literary figures from neighbouring countries to promote and revitalise essay poetry within the Nusantara region. – James Kon
