A Labor of Love

As IDWRITERS approaches its 10th year, I find myself reflecting on the journey that began with a simple goal: to spotlight Indonesian literature and connect our writers with a global audience. What started as a personal passion project has grown into a meaningful resource for those seeking curated information about our literary world. This post is a glimpse into the story behind IDWRITERS, a labor of love.

For nearly a decade, IDWRITERS has been my labor of love—a project born from a passion for Indonesian literature and the desire to connect our writers with the world. Since its launch on June 28, 2014, and official introduction on January 29, 2015, the platform has grown into a unique repository of news, profiles, and media coverage of Indonesian authors. Despite challenges, such as juggling updates alone or contemplating whether to continue, the belief in its purpose has kept it alive.

Running IDWRITERS has been a deeply personal journey. Over the years, my mornings and weekends have often been dedicated to hunting for news in English-language media outlets, keeping up with developments in the book world, tracking the latest releases, and preparing content for social media publications. Is it tiring? Absolutely. But it’s also deeply satisfying.

Admittedly, 2024 was a quiet year for IDWRITERS. Updates were sparse, and and modernizing the layout felt like a distant concern. I often questioned whether the platform still served a purpose or if it was time to move on. Yet, as the site lay dormant, I realized its quiet presence still mattered—as a valuable resource for those seeking curated information about Indonesian writers and their works.

As of today, the numbers speak volumes about the platform’s scope. IDWRITERS has become a powerhouse of resources, featuring 602 writers, 833 books from 257 publishers, and contributions from 775 authors, resulting in 1,152 pieces. These include 387 news coverages, 226 clippings, and 539 book reviews sourced from 362 distinct outlets, as well as 81 translated works.

At the start of 2025, I resolved to dedicate more time to maintaining the platform. While I can’t promise unwavering consistency, I’m determined to try. Submissions from friends for the blog section have been especially motivating, showing that IDWRITERS isn’t just alive—it’s still growing. This renewed energy is reflected in our first post of the year, Savage and Surreal in Budi Darma’s: From Archives to Eternity.

If you’re passionate about Indonesian literature, I invite you to join me in this journey. Visit IDWRITERS, explore our growing database, and share your feedback. Writers can contribute by getting listed, while supporters can help through donations or volunteering. Your support—whether through words, actions, or resources—plays a vital role in our growth, helping to enhance the platform and introduce new features.

Together, we can ensure that IDWRITERS continues to be a “Home for Indonesian Writers,” proudly showcasing the richness of Indonesian literature to the world while staying deeply rooted in our local essence.