INFOKU, BLORA –The Blora Festival “Se-Abad Pram” was officially opened by the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, on Thursday (6/2/2025), coinciding with the 100th birthday of Pramoedya Ananta Toer, a great world writer who was born in Blora.
The opening of the festival was held at the Pendopo of the Blora Regent's Official Residence with the beating of a gong and the presentation of books by Pramoedya AT by his daughter, Astuti, who was accompanied by Aditya Ananta Toer (Chairman of the Pramoedya Ananta Toer Foundation).
Blora Regent, Arief Rohman, expressed his pride in Blora being chosen as the kick-off location for the commemoration of Pramoedya Ananta Toer's centenary.
"Welcome to Blora, Minister Fadli Zon. Thank you for coming to open the Blora Festival for a Century of Pram. With this festival, Blora is increasingly confirmed as an inspiration for world literature," said Arief Rohman.
This festival is a special moment for the world of literature, not only for Blora and Indonesia, but also the world.
Pramoedya Ananta Toer, with more than 50 works translated into 42 languages, has introduced Blora to the world through his works such as "Stories from Blora" and "Footsteps".
Meanwhile, Minister Fadli Zon also expressed his happiness at being able to return to Blora to open this festival.
Because Blora is not only the birthplace of Pramoedya, but also the birthplace of other great figures such as Tirto Adi Suryo, the father of the national press.
"I agree with the Blora Regent who wants Blora to become the terrace for national cultural development. Blora has extraordinary cultural potential, from carnivals of cultural expression to very rich literature. We need to support this together," said Fadli Zon.
The Pramoedya Centennial Celebration was initiated by the Pramoedya Ananta Toer Foundation and the Garuda People's Home Community.
The festival, which will be held in Blora from 6 to 8 February 2025, will host various events, such as memorial lectures, discussions, book reprint exhibitions, film screenings, theater performances, and a music concert entitled "Anak Semua Bangsa" featuring national musicians, as well as a monologue by theater actress Happy Salma.
Dalhar Muhammadun, Chairman of the Festival Committee, said that this festival is not just a celebration of nostalgia, but also a long journey to retrace the footsteps of Pramoedya Ananta Toer in a broader time frame.
"This is a journey to retrace Pram's footsteps for the next year," said Dalhar.
After the opening of the festival, the event continued with the opening of the exhibition at the Blora Creative Space (BCS) Building.
Minister Fadli Zon and his entourage continued their journey by horse-drawn carriage to BCS, which is approximately 800 meters from the Pendopo of the Regent's Official Residence.
By holding the Blora Festival for a Century of Pram, Blora is increasingly showing its commitment to becoming a national cultural terrace.
Also read: Pramoedya Street Name in Blora to be Realized Soon
This festival is an important momentum to appreciate Indonesia's cultural and literary heritage, as well as introduce Blora as a center for the development of world culture and literature. (Setyorini/ IST )
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