Gde Aryantha Soethama

Born in Klungkung, Gde Aryantha Soethama took an early interest in writing when he started writing poetry as a teenager. He went on to write short stories and essays and started writing for major newspapers and journals in Bali and Jakarta. After working as a journalist, correspondent and chief editor, he became a freelance writer specializing in short stories and journalistic writing. Two of his short stories have been chosen by Kompas (1993 and 1994) and have been translated into English. His novel Pilihanku Guru received first prize in a novel-writing competition organized by the Bali Post, and has been published by Gita Nagari (Yogyakarta) under the title Senja di Candidasa (2002). His other novel, Wanita Amerika Dibunuh di Ubud, and compilations of short journalistic essays Basa Basi Bali, Bali is Bali, and Bali Tikam Bali has been published as Buku Arti. Gde Aryantha Soethama was awarded the Katulistiwa Award in 2007.¹

In 2016, Kompas recognized his dedication to his work with an award. He resides in Denpasar, where he works as a freelance writer and manages a printing and publishing business. His latest collection of short stories, The First Night of a Prospective Priest, was published in 2023.

1. Arti Foundation ↩