Bernard Batubara

A published author and a professional editor living in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Born in Pontianak, but raised in a small village called Anjongan, located two hours from Pontianak. He moved to Pontianak at the age of 11 and then moved again to Yogyakarta at the age of 17. There he begins his writing career as a poet.

He wrote poems, stories, and novels. His works have been published on many literary magazines, literary web portals, and newspapers (GONG, Kompas, Koran Tempo, Suara Merdeka, Jurnal Nasional, Pontianak Post) as well as several anthologies with fellow authors: Teka-teki tentang Tubuh dan Kematian (2010), Pedas Lada Pasir Kuarsa (2010), Percakapan Lingua Franca (2011), Tuah Tara No Ate (2011), Mata (2012), Empat Cangkir Kenangan (2012), Cerita Hati (2012), Singgah (2013), Habis Gelap Terbitlah Terang (Through Darkness To Light) (2013), and Puisi-Puisi di Jantung Tamansari (2014). His story Goa Maria is translated to English by Toni Pollard and published in the anthology of Ubud Emerging Writers 2013: Through Darkness To Light.

His books are Angsa-Angsa Ketapang (2010), Radio Galau FM (2011), Kata Hati (2012), Milana (2013), Cinta. (2013), and Surat untuk Ruth (2014). Two of his works, Radio Galau FM and Kata Hati are now major motion pictures. And one of his novels, Surat untuk Ruth, will also be adapted to screen.

He spoke at Makassar International Writers Festival (MIWF) 2013, and selected by the UWRF official as one of emerging writer in Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF) 2013. He also spoke at ASEAN Literary Festival (ALF) 2015. He created a non-commercial writing class called Kopdarfiksi, which the goal is to encourage young and aspiring authors to write more and contribute to the literary world.

His newest book: Jatuh Cinta adalah Cara Terbaik untuk Bunuh Diri (2014, Indonesian edition) is now available at online and offline bookstores in Indonesia. Also available at Google Store in e-book.