Celebrating the island's profound cultural significance, The Meru Sanur brings to life the art of storytelling through the curated program 'Mata Aksara'. Marking the launch of the program, the luxury wellness resort collaborates with Yayasan Mudra Swari Saraswati – the organizer of the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, to open the 'Bali Berkisah 2025' event featuring acclaimed Indonesian writer Andre Syahreza. The evening set the stage to unveil his latest book, 'All Because of Nirankara' (Semua Karena Nirankara), on Friday, March 21 2025, in Sutasoma Lounge, The Meru Sanur.
Taking inspiration from the classic literature 'Sukreni, Balinese Girl' (1936), Andre Syahreza penned his novel while in Singaraja, North Bali. He crafted a compelling story about romance, economics, desire, and power setting in a modern-day Bali. After extensive research and six months of writing, the novel was published by Kompas Gramedia and was officially introduced at the Mata Aksara and Bali Berkisah events.
The book launch featured distinguished guest speakers, including Wangsa Loka, who is celebrated for capturing cultural narratives through travel stories, and Putu Tiwi, a younger-generation writer and content creator known for her vibrant insights into Balinese culture and personal journeys. The evening also included an exceptional performance of Mekidung by Kitapoleng titled "IDEP," which symbolizes thought, heart, and consciousness, representing life's sacred journey towards Dharma and eternal peace.
Named after a philosophy that emphasizes how words, or ''Aksara,'' hold both visible meanings perceived by the eyes and hidden wisdom understood by the heart, ''Mata Aksara'' is a signature program by The Meru Sanur that highlights the resort's commitment to promoting Balinese culture through storytelling. In collaboration with Bali Berkisah 2025—which is a sister festival to the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival organized by Yayasan Mudra Swari Saraswati—Bali Berkisah program showcases Balinese literary works and supports emerging Indonesian talent. The broader Bali Berkisah event will take place at Graha Yowani Suci in Denpasar from March 22 to 23, 2025.
Andre Syahreza stated, "I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with The Meru Sanur in preserving literary culture. The story in this novel is distinct from the original Sukreni novel, even though it shares the same DNA. I use accessible language to ensure that generations X, Y, and Z can understand it, while still remaining true to literary expressions."
Ed Brea, General Manager of The Meru Sanur, commented, "At The Meru Sanur, we embrace the Balinese way of life through the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, which honors the harmony among people, culture, and the environment. We are thrilled to support the latest work of renowned Indonesian author Andre Syahreza through this collaboration. We take pride in contributing to our community, which values local talent and culture, through initiatives like Bali Berkisah and the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival. This event marks the beginning of many efforts to highlight Balinese culture and tourism through the voices of artists, cultural experts, and literary figures."
The Meru Sanur
Jl. Hang Tuah, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80227
Phone: (+62361) 2012000
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