In this next episode of The Faces Behind the Festival, meet our Digital Marketing Specialist, the creative force behind Ubud Writers & Readers Festival digital presence, as she shares how she recharges amid the festival buzz and reveals her dream speakers for 2025.
What led you to join the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, and what has the journey been like so far?
In 2021, my mother shared this open volunteer call post for the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival. I joined remotely, starting as a Social Media volunteer, and continued doing so the next year. Then in 2023, I got the opportunity to join full-time in the Festival and Yayasan, respectively. It's been a fascinating journey so far! I'm always learning.
What’s one unforgettable moment from your time with the Festival—something that surprised or deeply moved you?
One moment that meant a great deal to me was when I got to meet one of my favorite writers, Dee Lestari. Her writings have accompanied me for many years, and inspired me in a lot of ways, so meeting her was truly remarkable.
How do you stay inspired and recharge amidst the excitement and chaos of Festival prep?
I would recommend to 'escape' for a little while—be it by listening to music, reading, watching films, writing, or enjoying quality time with your loved ones. Since in those periods we tend to be exposed to everything outside, I too, prefer to come back to myself and seek the comfort within.
If you could have dinner with any writer, past or present, who would it be and why?
Virginia Woolf. I would like to learn from the greatest herself on how to biblically yearn correctly, over dinner.
What’s a book that has left a lasting impact on you, and where’s your favorite place to read?
Two books have left such a deep impression on me; Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, and The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee Taylor. I love to read at home, or somewhere by the beach, and sometimes on a ride in public transportation! If there's any.
Who’s on your dream list for the 2025 Festival? Any speakers you’re dying to bring to Ubud?
The 2016 International Booker Prize and 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature winner, Han Kang.
