UNESCO Participates In Commemorating 100 Years Of Sastrawan From Minang AA Navis

The 100th Anniversary of AA Navis began to be commemorated since March 2024. (ANTARA)

PADANG - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) participated in commemorating 100 years of Indonesian writer from West Sumatra, AA Navis.

The Daily Chair of the Indonesian National Commission for UNESCO, Itje Chodidjah in Padang, Saturday said there were several reasons to commemorate the 100th anniversary of AA Navis, including the work of AA Navis literature to lead the community to be civilized and cultured.

Then his critical work is considered to have universal values that remain relevant to current conditions.

Itje said commemorating the 100th anniversary of the AA Navis was also an effort to encourage young writers in Indonesia to rise to follow in its footsteps.

"AA Navis is a writer who is recognized not only nationally but also internationally through thoughts born through his writings," he said.

AA Navis, who was born in Padang Panjang, West Sumatra on November 17, 1924, wrote about 65 literary works in various forms. His work obtained the best recognition, one of which was the short story of the Collapse of Surau Kami.

Head of the Language and Literature Development Center, Language Development and Development Agency, Abdul Khak said the 100th anniversary of AA Navis was also commemorated nationally in various regions in Indonesia.

"Languages in all regions in Indonesia also commemorate the 100th anniversary of the AA Navis," he said. He helped encourage universities in Indonesia, especially those with literary majors, to celebrate in the form of seminars, discussion of works, theaters, or other activities.

The commemoration starts March to November. The national commemoration will be held on November 17-19 at Taman Ismail Marzuki. Then at the international level it will be held at Unesco headquarters on November 11-15.

Abdul wants the 100 Years of AA Navis to be a trigger moment for young writers to see literary works as a step to awaken civilization. Encourage the birth of young writers from West Sumatra. Because this province used to be a warehouse for writers.

Meanwhile, AA Navis' daughter, Gemala Ranti, said she was proud that her father's 100 years of birth was commemorated internationally. She hopes that in the future AA Navis-AA will be born young navis, especially from West Sumatra