Home | Writers | Headlines | Writer Spotlights | Contributing Authors

If you are a writer yourself, join our growing literary network. Be seen. Be read. Get listed today!
A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

The Problem With Promoting Indonesian Literature Abroad?: A Simplistic White Gaze

Media Clippings




Many foreigners hold a mental image of a primitive Indonesia that is full of slums and dirty rivers and piles of garbage. They imagine, at best, the bamboo huts, the rice paddies and pastoral scenes. The Indonesia filtered, then presented by foreign translators and well-meaning international organizations has been selected to compound this image of a provincial country, one fragranced with nose-biting spices and jasmine blooms. But Indonesian writers tell a more expansive story. In their books, Indonesia is rich with bustling, vibrant cities, glass airports, museums full of art. The cities burst with becak and kopaja and buses and trains; every minute a plane leaves an airport. People fall in love in a grand mall, fall to their knees in a mosque; they fall out of love in a coffee shop. Families dance until night falls, and the people are not so different from you and I.



Read the full article here.


At a Glance

As of now, our resource library is a powerhouse: 623 writers, 857 books from 271 publishers, 803 contributing authors, and a total of 1187 pieces— 403 news coverages, 233 clippings, and 551 book reviews. We've sourced from 373 distinct outlets to enrich our content. Add 81 translated works and 58 standout resources, and you’ve got a snapshot of our dedication to cultivating a vibrant literary landscape.

About Us

Ready to explore our writer's directory? It’s not just a cool space for writers to connect—it's the ultimate toolkit for event hosts, lit organizers, librarians, book nerds, and anyone curious about Indonesian writers. Think of it as the cozy home for Indonesian writers, breaking language barriers and opening up our literary scene to the world. Read more!

Got questions, comments, or contributions? Reach out via email, or say hi on X, Facebook, Instagram, or through our contact form.

You cannot copy content of this page