Salihara
In this article: Ayu Utami
Written by Dinda Mulia, and was originally published in NOW!Jakarta
Jan 09, 2025
Written by Dinda Mulia, and was originally published in NOW!Jakarta
Jan 09, 2025
What does Jakarta need to do in order to be recognised as a cultural city? In this opinion series, NOW! Jakarta hears from the leaders of the city’s artistic institutions to gain insight into fostering and developing specific areas of culture. Ayu Utami of Salihara Art Centre talks to us about art communities and festivals.
When one speaks of contemporary Indonesian literature, it is impossible not to mention Ayu Utami. A journalist-turned-novelist, activist and the Literature Curator for Jakarta’s Salihara Art Centre, Ayu’s works have revolutionised the nation’s literature scene, especially for women. Her first novel, Saman, published in 1998, was highly acclaimed by literary critics and broke boundaries, especially in the age of Reformation. With accolades like the Prince Claus Award (2000) and the Ahmad Barkie Award (2018), Ayu remains steadfast in her commitment to elevate the nation’s cultural discourse. This time, she sat down with NOW!Jakarta to share her insights about what can be done to raise Jakarta’s cultural profile.
When one speaks of contemporary Indonesian literature, it is impossible not to mention Ayu Utami. A journalist-turned-novelist, activist and the Literature Curator for Jakarta’s Salihara Art Centre, Ayu’s works have revolutionised the nation’s literature scene, especially for women. Her first novel, Saman, published in 1998, was highly acclaimed by literary critics and broke boundaries, especially in the age of Reformation. With accolades like the Prince Claus Award (2000) and the Ahmad Barkie Award (2018), Ayu remains steadfast in her commitment to elevate the nation’s cultural discourse. This time, she sat down with NOW!Jakarta to share her insights about what can be done to raise Jakarta’s cultural profile.
Read the full article here.
