In the wake of the first Bali bombings, Janet De Neefe found herself compelled to take action. Clear in the knowledge that this paradise island, nestled in tragedy’s shadow, needed something profound—a beacon of hope that would unite and uplift the spirits of its people.  

 Interview with Janet De Neefe

What inspired the creation of the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival?

The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival was inspired by the first Bali bombings. It wasn’t initially planned as a festival, but I felt a strong need to support and help Bali after the tragedy. The initiative had to be meaningful, uniting people, inspiring them, and serving as a platform to address the issues that affect us all.  

The concept began solidifying as I collaborated with festival directors and immersed myself in the literary world. Simultaneously, I was finishing my own book, “Fragrant Rice.” Hence, the idea of a Writers Festival.

Ubud, rich in cultural heritage, seemed the perfect place for such an event. After a year of organizing, we launched the festival in October 2002, commemorating the Bali bombings and aligning with Indonesia’s literary month. 

What inspired the idea to offer Indonesians a platform to showcase their creativity and display the archipelago’s diverse traditions and cultures globally?  

Although the festival has an international aspect and includes the food festival, ultimately, our efforts revolve around providing opportunities for Indonesians by showcasing young creatives, established writers, emerging talents, or chefs. We aim to provide them access to the global stage, which they often lack. This platform enables them to connect, network, and, most importantly, fuel their creativity to continue writing, cooking, or pursuing their passions. 

How does the foundation engage with the local community in Ubud and other regions of Indonesia to foster positive social and cultural change?

The Mudra Sari Saraswati Foundation oversees both the Writers Festival and the Food Festival and is involved in various activities. We have the Artisan Market, mainly for Bali-based creatives, which emerged during COVID to provide young people with entrepreneurial opportunities. 

Moreover, we actively connect with communities all over Indonesia. After the Writers Festival, we initiate a satellite program where we take writers to approximately six remote cities in Indonesia to engage with different literary circles. These little initiatives are scattered all over, and with the advent of technologies like Zoom, we can now virtually connect with other places around the archipelago. 

How does the foundation support aspiring young art, literature, and culinary arts talents?

For example, we have the Emerging Writers Program with the Writers Festival. We invite submissions from all over the archipelago, encouraging anyone interested to submit their work for selection to participate in the festival and have a chance to get their work published. That’s a really exciting part of what we do. Depending on our financial situation, we invite at least 10 to 12 young writers. We select the work, publish it, and then fly the chosen writers to the festival for five life-changing days in Ubud, where they connect and hang out with other writers. It’s thrilling to witness their progress, and some may even later say, “Hey, I was one of your emerging writers.” It’s truly exciting! 

We’re also exploring and thinking of ways to create something like that for the Food Festival, for young chefs, and even for young food writers. So those kinds of initiatives are really important. 

How do festival initiatives serve as a springboard for young Indonesians in other areas?

Because the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival is well known globally, for young kids, they can start by volunteering and learn the basics of event management and similar skills that cross over into many other kinds of roles. It’s a great way to just start learning and gain insight into what you can do to further your career. 

Can readers contribute to the Foundation’s mission and opportunities?

Certainly! Volunteers play a crucial role in the festival, and we truly value their dedication. It’s heartwarming to see them returning year after year and they become part of our festival family. 

In addition to volunteering, we warmly welcome any form of support, whether through sponsorship, donations, or partnerships. These contributions are vital for the survival and growth of our mission. We are always looking for individuals and organizations willing to lend a helping hand to further our cause. 

How has the festival empowered female authors and promoted their writing?

We’ve always had a strong component of female authors, real powerhouses, and some absolutely amazing women. This year we have Vandana Shiva, she’s almighty. These are the kinds of people that, for us, are very important, they’re fearless and stand up for what they believe in. A lot of the authors that we invite are writers with a cause, they’re not just sitting at home writing some sort of story, there’s some sort of deep inspiration to create a change, and so these are the people we love in the festival, and a lot of them happen to be women who are quite extraordinary.   

“I simply follow my passion and beliefs.“

–  Janet De Neefe

As a successful woman in a leadership role, how do you motivate and inspire other women to create positive change in society within their respective areas of expertise?

I don’t actively think about what I do for other women; I simply follow my passion and beliefs. Leading by example is crucial – when you work for the betterment of your community with selflessness and sincerity, it may inspire others to do the same. I don’t consider myself a leader in that sense; I’m driven by my passion and conviction, and leading by example is the natural outcome. Plus, literature can be a strong way to make society better. 

How does the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival incorporate global issues, fairness, and diversity in its events to have a broader impact?

 We’ve always had a broad cross-section of writers covering topics that touch on the human condition, human rights, and global issues like climate change. Again, it’s imperative for us to talk about topical issues, and Ubud, it’s the kind of place to be really open about everything, as a center of art and culture. 

What recommendations do you have to make the most of the festival experience?

For first-timers, I suggest thoroughly reviewing the program and familiarizing themselves with the schedule. With numerous writers and engaging events, it’s essential to plan ahead and mark the ones you don’t want to miss.

Alongside the four-day program, there are workshops, book launches, literary lunches, dinners, performance poetry, and film events. Being well-prepared and having a personalized schedule on your phone will ensure you make the most of the festival without missing any exciting moments. 

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Janet De Neefe – the driving force behind the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival

In this insightful interview with Janet De Neefe, the driving force behind the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF), we gain a deeper understanding of the festival’s origins and its profound impact on literature, arts, and Indonesian culture. Janet shares how the UWRF was born out of a need to bring hope and unity to Bali following the first Bali bombings, and how it evolved into a global platform for meaningful dialogue. She emphasizes the festival’s commitment to showcasing Indonesian talent and fostering creativity.

Janet highlights the various initiatives of the Mudra Sari Saraswati Foundation, which oversees the festival and actively engages with local communities across Indonesia. The foundation supports aspiring young artists, writers, and chefs through programs like the Emerging Writers Program, providing them access to the global stage.

Janet also discusses the festival’s role in empowering female authors and promoting their writing, as well as its commitment to addressing global issues, fairness, and diversity. She concludes by offering valuable recommendations for making the most of the festival experience.

Janet De Neefe’s passion and dedication to literature, culture, and positive social change shine through in this interview. The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, under her guidance, has not only become a global literary event but also a catalyst for creativity and community engagement. As we look forward to the UWRF 2023, we are reminded of the festival’s role in fostering dialogue, empowering talent, and celebrating the transformative power of literature and the arts. Get ready to be inspired at the UWRF 2023 from October 18th to 22nd.

Thank you, Janet, for the interview. We’re already looking forward to the Ubud Writers Fest 2023 from 18th to 22nd of October. 

Get your tickets here: ubudwritersfestival.com

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