Indonesia through Their Eyes
A curated selection of books on Indonesia by international authors.
At IDWRITERS, we've long celebrated works by Indonesian writers — the voices shaping, questioning, and defining the nation from within. But stories about Indonesia aren’t told only by Indonesians. From travelogues and post-colonial studies to novels inspired by the archipelago, some authors have also written about this place — with admiration, curiosity, criticism, and care.
Indonesian through Their Eyes is a section that brings these books together. It’s about expanding the literary conversation. Because understanding Indonesia, in literature, also means acknowledging how it has been seen, imagined, and narrated from beyond its borders.
Explore the many ways Indonesia has been written — and re-written.
A Brief History of Indonesia (2015), by Tim Hannigan
Bandit Saints of Java (2019), by George Quinn
Indonesia Etc. (2014), by Elizabeth Pisani
Indonesia Out of Exile (2023), by Max Lane
Kartini (2014), by Joost Coté
Kopi Dulu (2022), by Mark Eveleigh
Lichter dan ik (2019), by Dido Michielsen
Majapahit (2024), by Herald van der Linde
Oorlog zonder genade (2025), by Koos-jan de Jager
Revolusi (2025), by David Van Reybrouck
She Wanted To Be a Beauty Queen (2023), by George Quinn
Suharto’s Cold War (2023), by Mattias Fibiger
Systemic Silencing (2025), by Katharine E. McGregor
The Jakarta Method (2020), by Vincent Bevins
The Power of Prophecy (2007), by Peter Carey
To Remain Myself (2023), by David Reeve
Unfinished Nation (2008), by Max Lane
At a Glance
As of now, our resource library is a powerhouse:
622 writers,
856 books from
270 publishers,
802 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.
Got questions, comments, or contributions? Reach out via email, or say hi on X, Facebook, Instagram, or through our contact form.