The Meru Sanur unveils Mata Aksara, a signature program dedicated to celebrating the island’s literary heritage through the art of storytelling. In its inaugural collaboration with Yayasan Mudra Swari Saraswati—the visionary force behind the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival—The Meru Sanur proudly hosts Bali Berkisah 2025, an evening that illuminates the voice of acclaimed Indonesian writer Andre Syahreza. Set within the serene ambiance of Sutasoma Lounge on March 21, 2025, the event marks the unveiling of his latest novel, All Because of Nirankara (Semua Karena Nirankara), a contemporary narrative rooted in Bali’s evolving cultural landscape.
Inspired by Sukreni, Balinese Girl (1936), Syahreza intricately weaves a tale of love, ambition, and power set against the backdrop of modern-day Bali. His journey, spanning six months of meticulous research and writing in Singaraja, culminates in a compelling literary work published by Kompas Gramedia. The evening’s dialogue is enriched by the insights of Wangsa Loka, known for his evocative travel narratives, and Putu Tiwi, a vibrant voice of the younger generation, alongside a mesmerizing Mekidung performance by Kitapoleng titled IDEP, symbolizing the eternal journey toward harmony and wisdom.
Mata Aksara, meaning “the eye of letters,” reflects The Meru Sanur’s deep commitment to preserving Balinese culture through the written word. As a sister initiative to the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, Bali Berkisah nurtures emerging literary talents while honoring the island’s storytelling traditions. The broader festival, held at Graha Yowani Suci in Denpasar from March 22–23, 2025, serves as a platform for voices that bridge the past and future of Balinese literature.
Through this collaboration, The Meru Sanur reaffirms its dedication to fostering cultural dialogues that transcend time. “This novel, while inspired by Sukreni, speaks in a language accessible to generations X, Y, and Z,” Syahreza reflects. Ed Brea, General Manager of The Meru Sanur, adds, “Rooted in the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, The Meru Sanur embraces the harmony between people, culture, and nature. Supporting this literary journey is a testament to our belief in the transformative power of storytelling.”
