Indonesian literature goes digital with Sandiwara Sastra

The phrase Indonesian literature might bring to mind memories of school assignments and required reading, but a new literary initiative is poised to appeal to the digital crowd. Sandiwara Sastra (Literary Play), a joint collaboration between the Education and Culture Ministry, the Titimangsa Foundation and KawanKawan Media, is adapting a variety of Indonesian literature into audio plays, perhaps taking note from the rising popularity of podcasts and audio books. According to Education and Culture Ministry director general of culture Hilmar Farid, Sandiwara Sastra was envisioned just last month when producers Happy Salma of the Titimangsa Foundation and Yulia Evina Bhara from KawanKawan Media discussed the idea with him. “Halfway through their discussion, I immediately said yes [to the pitch]. In my opinion, it’s a really important project as literary works are vital in shaping our identity and telling our story with all of its problems,” he said during a virtual press conference.