Indonesia
A student of the Faculty of Cultural Studies (FCS) Universitas Brawijaya (UB) once again made a proud achievement. Ibnus Shabil, a student of the Study Programme of English Language Education, won first place in a national poetry reading competition. The competition was organized by Purna Prakarya Muda Indonesia (PPMI) West Jakarta as part of Bulan Jakarta, the 497th anniversary of DKI Jakarta.
By reading a poem by Diah Hadaning titled “Elegi Jakarta,” the student, who is familiarly called Shabil, managed to convey the feelings the author wanted to communicate with his interpretation and expression.
“I am interested in reading the poem ‘Elegi Jakarta’ because it highlights the hustle and bustle and the problems Jakarta is currently experiencing. I want to invite the people of Jakarta to take a closer look and remember the fading beauty of Jakarta. I want to invite the youth to play an active role in making Jakarta a better city,” Shabil explained.
When asked about his motivation for joining the competition, he expressed his desire to be a lifelong learner. By participating in various activities and competitions, he hopes to gain much knowledge and experience that will be useful to others. Shabil also recognized his love for the art of reading and writing poetry.
“Poetry is the most beautiful form of art and self-expression. Poetry allows me to express my emotions in any form without conveying them explicitly through art. I would be grateful if I could win the competition, but I love literature,” he said.
Shabil advised his friends who are also passionate about literature to participate in various activities that can hone their skills and broaden their horizons and not hesitate to compete in national literary events to develop their talents and interests.
“My fellow students, be part of a movement that appreciates art and literature. I am sure we will all feel uplifted and inspired by the beauty of poetry and its meaning,” he concluded. [trans.acl/ed.dts/PR FCS]