Bandar Seri Begawan, Monday, 23 Ramadan 1446 / 24 March 2025 – Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, through its Literature and Magazine Division, in collaboration with Kumpulan PUTRA Seni, organized Baca Bahana in
celebration of World Poetry Day, which is observed annually on 21 March. Baca Bahana is a project that showcases creative works published in Bahana magazine through virtual stage performances. The event is open to writers and artists from both local and international backgrounds.
This edition of Baca Bahana embraced the theme “The Beauty of Ramadan,” featuring poetry recitations that highlight the spirit of Ramadan as an expression of gratitude and reverence for this holy month. The event commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and a prayer for the protection of His Majesty the Sultan and the Nation of Brunei Darussalam, followed by a video presentation and welcoming remarks delivered by Awang Suip bin Haji Abdul Wahab, Acting Director of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.
https://youtu.be/VBGOeJ-ZicE?si=V7fFkcVZin6o91m9
This year’s Baca Bahana featured 19 literary figures from various countries. Representing Brunei Darussalam were Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman (Badaruddin H.O.), Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd. Daud (MZM), Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan (Idlan Adley), nurFik Brunei, Brahim AHT, Zefri Ariff Brunei, H. Mar, Morsidi M.H., Aminah Momin, Noorhamy, Izzah Insyirah, and MKHAY. From Indonesia, the event welcomed Prof. Dr. Yulianeta, while Malaysia was represented by Jasni Matlani and Muhammad Lutfi Ishak. Singapore’s representatives included Afi Hanafi and Farihan Borhan. Additionally, Dr. Perwaiz Shaharyar from India and Ashraf Aboul-Yazid from Egypt also participated in the event.
The initiative behind Baca Bahana aims to strengthen cultural and literary ties among local and international literary enthusiasts, preserve the beauty of language and literature, promote local writers’ works on the global stage, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the arts. By hosting this event virtually, Baca Bahana continues to inspire and foster a love for language and literary expression.
This report is prepared by: Literature and Magazine Division,, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Brunei Darussalam on Monday, 23 Ramadan 1446 / 24 March 2025
