Sutardji Calzoum Bachri

Sutardji Calzoum Bachri (born Rengat,Riau,1941) is a famous Indonesian poet.

The peak of Tardji's literary career is considered to have been during the 1970s. Back then, he successfully launched a credo of 'freeing words of their meanings'.

He was also famous for his habit of drinking cheap alcoholic beverages during his readings. His style of reading is often explosive in the manner of old Indonesian "Dukun", incantations stemming from Indonesian pre-Islamic shaministic practice, still used today.

The style of Tardji's poetry has been described as that of a "mantra". He has been quoted to say that the "mantra" is the true use of words.

Currently Tardji is thought of more as a philosopher or a sufi than a poet. The man once known as 'The President of Indonesian Poets' often shows up in public gatherings and will usually make his presence known.

Tardji is said to have taken some new, mostly female, writers to be his disciples.

External Links

Link to Poetry Africa festival page that shows Bachri's biography, a poem, bibliography, list of prizes and a photo for the [http://www.ukzn.ac.za/cca/images/pa/PA2004/poets/bachri.htm 2004 Poetry Africa Festival]