Descriptions of Female Sexuality in Ayu Utami’s Saman

Book Chronicles

In this article Saman Saman: A Novel
By Soe Tjen Marching, originally published in Journal of Southeast Asian Studies
Jan 05, 2007

Ayu Utami’s Saman, published in May 1998, describes female sexuality openly, a factor which has caused some controversy in Indonesia. Several critics have applauded the explicit descriptions of sexuality in this novel, claiming they are ...

Read the full article here.

Latest News

Nov 22, 2025

Exploring stories and their reasons with Xu Xi

Nov 18, 2025

Encourage writing among children: Indonesian author

Nov 18, 2025

In Ratih Kumala’s ‘Koloni’, the revolution is tiny and female

Nov 18, 2025

Writing Against the Sky: Thirteen Women from Bandung Turn Restlessness into Resistance

Nov 17, 2025

Leila S Chudori, Writing Those Who Are Silenced

Nov 14, 2025

JILF 2025: A Global Forum of Writers Blending Intellect and Emotion

At a Glance

As of now, our resource library is a powerhouse: 652 writers, 909 books from 291 publishers, 833 contributing authors, and a total of 1226 pieces— 415 news coverages, 245 clippings, and 566 book reviews. We've sourced from 383 distinct outlets to enrich our content. Add 81 translated works and 59 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.

ABOUT