MALUT-ASWINNEWS.COM- The History Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Khairun University held a discussion on the theme “Writing History in a Literary Style” as part of a series of training activities for writing local figures’ biographies which are routinely held every year, Sunday, February 2, 2025.
This activity was held at Kalamata Fort, a historical site full of historical value. The choice of this outdoor location was not without reason. In addition to avoiding the limitations of theoretical learning in the classroom, this activity also aims to provide participants with direct experience in observing historical relics. Thus, they not only understand history through reading, but can also feel the atmosphere of the past more realistically.
Through this approach, it is hoped that participants will be able to express historical stories in a more lively and imaginative writing style, combining factual accuracy with a captivating literary touch.
This discussion presents Wahyuddin D. Gafur as a resource person. He is a freelance writer who has published two books of poetry, with extensive experience in the world of creative writing. His presence is expected to provide a new perspective for the participants. Given that history must remain based on facts, but on the other hand, literary style can be a tool to make it more alive and arouse the emotions of the reader.
Meanwhile, Jainul Yusup, as the Coordinator of the History Study Program, welcomed this activity and gave full appreciation to the initiative. According to him, historical writing ideally does not only prioritize accuracy and scientific principles, but also needs to have a literary touch to make it more interesting and not feel stiff or boring for the reader.
However, he emphasized that in adapting literary style, a writer must still adhere to the principles of historiography that prioritize accuracy, objectivity, and academic responsibility.
The activity was attended by lecturers and students from the History Study Program who appeared active in listening to the speaker’s presentation and discussing the material presented. One of the participants, Alwensi D. Kasukung, asked an interesting question that provoked thought. He questioned how to write history in a literary style, and to what extent the limits may be applied by a writer in processing historical stories without eliminating their factual essence.
After the discussion session ended, Sri Haryati Putri as the event moderator closed the activity, continued with casual stories about the experiences of each student and lecturer, in writing such as poetry, rhymes, and short stories.
Biro Ternate/Enal Adaran.
