The shortlist for the BRICS Literature Award has been announced in Jakarta. The event took place at the H. B. Jassin Literature Document Centre and brought together representatives of the literary and diplomatic communities from BRICS countries.

The National Coordinator of the BRICS Literature Network in Indonesia, Sastri Bakry, highlighted the importance of the prize for cultural exchange.

“This prize not only recognises outstanding literary works from BRICS countries but also promotes cultural exchange and cooperation among the nations. For Indonesia in particular, it is an opportunity to become closer to the global community and to present our rich cultural heritage to an international audience,” she said at the opening ceremony.

The President of the Russian Book Union, Sergey Stepashin, also emphasised the prize’s special role in strengthening cultural dialogue.

“The BRICS Literature Award aims to foster intercultural dialogue and promote traditional values through the art of words. The shortlisted winners represent a wide palette of cultures and perspectives from BRICS countries. The population of our nations exceeds three billion people, and this prize gives writers a unique opportunity to share their ideas with a vast audience. Literature is the most important tool for mutual understanding. Through literary works, we break down prejudices, build empathy, and deepen the connections between our peoples. I am convinced that the BRICS Literature Award is a crucial step towards building trust, mutual respect and fruitful cooperation,” Stepashin underlined.

The shortlist includes ten authors from BRICS countries: Ana Maria Goncalves (Brazil), Aleksey Varlamov (Russia), Sonu Saini (India), Ma Boyong (China), Nthabiseng JahRose Jafta (South Africa), Reem Al Kamali (UAE), Abere Adamu (Ethiopia), Mansour Alimoradi (Iran), Denny JA (Indonesia) and Salwa Bakr (Egypt).

According to writer Denny JA, the prize carries out a unique mission.

“BRICS has become the new axis of global civilisation – a place where ancient values merge with modern ideas […]. It is from this very spirit that the BRICS Literature Award was born,” he stated.

The winner will be announced on 27 November in Khabarovsk. Established in 2024, the BRICS Literature Award supports authors whose works reflect the cultural and spiritual values of the peoples of the member countries and encourages translation and international dissemination of literature.

Photo: announcement of the BRICS Literature Award shortlist