Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali successfully hosted Katha Bercerita, an intimate literary gathering that brought together book lovers, storytellers and curious minds for an afternoon of meaningful conversation at Katha Lobby Lounge. The event created a warm and engaging space where stories were shared not only from the stage but also through lively dialogue between the author and the audience.
With attendance intentionally limited, the atmosphere felt personal and relaxed, allowing participants to connect more closely with the discussion. The intimate setting encouraged open conversations, transforming the session into a dynamic exchange of ideas rather than a conventional literary talk. Throughout the afternoon, guests actively participated, raising thoughtful questions and sharing reflections inspired by the stories being discussed.
The session featured Valiant Budi, widely known as Vabyo, the author of the novel Tukar Takdir. During the conversation, Vabyo offered audiences a deeper look into the journey behind the book, from the inspiration that shaped the story to the unexpected moment when film producers first approached him about adapting the novel for the big screen. He also spoke candidly about how the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the production process and how the project eventually resumed after the challenging period.
Vabyo further shared insights into the film adaptation process, including how the cast was selected and how the director sought his permission to reinterpret certain elements of the story to make it more relatable for a wider audience. Despite these adjustments, the core essence and emotional foundation of the original novel were carefully preserved, ensuring that the spirit of Tukar Takdir remained intact.
The conversation quickly evolved into an interactive dialogue as audience members enthusiastically raised questions. Many participants were particularly curious about the writing process itself, including how authors overcome creative challenges such as writer’s block. Vabyo responded openly, offering practical advice while also encouraging aspiring writers to remain patient and honest with their storytelling journey.
Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, Gramedia Bali presented a mini book fair that allowed guests to explore a curated selection of titles during the event. The presence of the book fair created a small literary marketplace within the lounge, further amplifying the excitement among attendees and reinforcing the event’s spirit as a celebration of reading and storytelling.
The afternoon concluded with a book signing session, where guests had the opportunity to meet Vabyo personally and receive signed copies of Tukar Takdir. The moment became one of the most memorable highlights of the gathering, as readers shared their appreciation directly with the author while capturing the experience through photos and conversations.
Dedy Sulistiyanto, Marketing & Communications Manager of Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali and initiator of Katha Bercerita, expressed his appreciation for the enthusiastic response from the community. “Seeing the audience so engaged, asking questions and sharing their thoughts made the session feel truly alive. The limited number of participants actually created a warmer and more intimate space where conversations could flow naturally,” he said.
Looking ahead, Dedy also revealed that the literary series will continue. “We are planning to hold the next Katha Bercerita in June, where several popular Indonesian writers are expected to join us for another inspiring afternoon of storytelling and dialogue,” he added.
Through initiatives such as Katha Bercerita, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali continues to position itself not only as a hospitality destination but also as a cultural meeting point where ideas, creativity and community connections can grow. By creating spaces for dialogue and storytelling, the resort hopes to nurture a vibrant literacy culture in Jimbaran and across Bali, where stories continue to inspire reflection, imagination and meaningful human connection
