Singaraja- The existence of language, literature and Balinese script is now faced with challenges. These challenges come from various lines, starting from the influence of globalization and the speakers themselves. This condition is paid attention of the Department of Language, Indonesian and Regional Literature, Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha (Undiksha). Conservation efforts have also been carried out by holding the Language and Literature Festival and the Nyurat Lontar (writing on palm leaves) Contest. This activity was opened by the Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Public Relations, and Alumni of Undiksha, Prof. Dr. I Wayan Suastra, M.Pd, Monday (17/10/2022).
Dozens of participants from high schools/vocational schools throughout Bali attended the Nyurat Lontar competition that competes Undiksha Rector’s rotating trophy. The participant copied the Latin script which the committee had specially prepared. In this case, the assessment is carried out on the characters of the lontar letters and the suitability of the uger-uger (rule/formula) of the Balinese script. This requires great precision and patience.
On the sidelines of these activities, the Head of Language, Indonesian and Regional Literature Undiksha, Dr. I Wayan Artika, S.Pd., M.Hum., conveyed this competition to show the public that Undiksha through the department takes part academically in scientific responsibility for the wealth of Balinese language, script and literature. He hopes this event can raise awareness and positive attitudes from the public towards cultural heritage. “First, we must form attitudes towards regional language, literature and script. If our attitude is gooda and positive, it will be very easy for us to preserve regional language and literature,” he said.
Vice Rector of Undiksha, Prof. Suastra, was accompanied by the Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Arts Undiksha, Prof. Dr. I Made Sutama, M.Pd., and his staff appreciated this event because it can provide space for creativity and develop students’ potential. “We as an institution certainly appreciate it because it provides space as a place for creativity because it is very much needed for students’ competence, so that they develop their potential to add some insight to themselves, show what they have, so they know what their competence is,” he said.
In addition to the Nyurat lontar competition, the Language and Literature Festival is filled with poetry reading and writing contests as well as cultural arts performances. (hms)
