Mochtar Lubis

One of the greatest literary figures Indonesia has ever produced. His novels have been translated in many languages. Senja di Jakarta, originally published as Twilight in Jakarta in the UK (Hutchinson & Co. 1963) is considered the first-ever Indonesian novel translated into English. Jalan Tak Ada Ujung, won a national literary award in 1952 and was translated into English as A Road with No End in 1968 by A.H. Johns.

Lubis was also a world-renowned journalist who was a feisty crusader for the freedom of the press and an unwavering believer in universal humanism, truth, and justice. He was the first Indonesian—and remains one of only three—to have received the esteemed Philippine Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism and Literature, in 1958. In 2000, the International Press Institute honored him in its list of 50 World Press Freedom Heroes of the past 50 years. In 1966 Lubis founded the cultural and literary monthly, Horison, and served as its editor for 36 years.