radition is one of those fundamental concepts which today is overused, with the result that its futurist opponents ignorantly despise it, while its faithful defenders often do not really understand it. The first believe that tradition is the opposite of change, the latter are unsure about the manner … [Read more...]
Indonesia’s Literary Leap Through Choix Goncourt
Indonesia’s literary world entered a historic chapter as the country officially launched Choix Goncourt Indonesia in Jakarta on 11–12 May 2026, marking its inclusion as the 51st member of the prestigious international Choix Goncourt network. The two-day cultural program brought together diplomats, … [Read more...]
Seven Asian writers gather at Khaosod ahead of Chommanard award
When seven distinguished women writers from Southeast and East Asia gathered at the Khaosod office in Bangkok on Tuesday, 31 March 2026 — most shortlisted for the prestigious Chommanard International Women’s Literary Award — the conversation moved well beyond books, touching on country, identity, … [Read more...]
In Indonesia, fears grow that dark past may be rewritten with government’s new history books
The Indonesian government's plan to release new history books has sparked concerns that some of the country's darkest chapters could be recast to show President Prabowo Subianto and late authoritarian ruler Suharto in a favourable light. The 10-volume series would have an Indonesia-centric … [Read more...]
‘Historical amnesia’: Indonesia’s fight over plan to amend history books
Anger the controversial plan coincides with anime flag movement, seen as a critique on the decline of democratic freedoms under President Prabowo. Indonesia has delayed plans to publish a set of controversial history books amid backlash from historians and activists who have accused the project … [Read more...]