Indonesian Culture Minister Launches Poetry Anthology to Mark 55th Birthday

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, has launched Mimpi-Mimpi yang Kupelihara or (Dreams I Keep), a poetry anthology published to commemorate his 55th birthday in Jakarta, Wednesday, 3 June ,2026. The collection documents his creative journey from childhood through adolescence and into his early university years.

The anthology brings together poems written between 1983 and 1991, marking an important chapter in Fadli Zon's literary development. It offers readers a glimpse into the formative years that shaped his character, worldview, and creative expression.

To reach a broader audience, the collection has also been published in English under the title Dreams I Keep: A Collection of Poems, 1983–1991. The book was published by Horison in collaboration with the Fadli Zon Library as a contribution to Indonesia's literary landscape.

The anthology explores a wide range of themes, including childhood memories, intellectual curiosity, a love of nature, and reflections on social issues. Through these poems, readers are invited to trace the inner journey of a young writer who would later become a prominent figure in politics, culture, and literacy.

Fadli described poetry as an essential literary medium that contributes to civilization and strengthens a nation's cultural identity. He said literary works serve not only as a form of creative expression but also as a means of preserving collective memory and expanding human understanding.

“Poetry is an important literary medium because it can capture things that often escape everyday language. Through poetry, we can record inner experiences, express hopes, anxieties, and even social criticism in a more reflective and humane way,” Fadli Zon said.

He added that Mimpi-Mimpi yang Kupelihara serves as a documentation of both his personal and creative journey, reflecting the period that shaped his character and perspectives on life. He expressed hope that the republication of the book would inspire younger generations to engage more closely with literature and embrace writing as a form of self-expression and reflection.

As Minister of Culture, Fadli emphasized the importance of strengthening Indonesia's literary ecosystem through support for writers, poets, literacy communities, publishers, and creative spaces. He said a stronger literary ecosystem would contribute to nation-building, enrich cultural life, and enhance Indonesia's cultural presence on the global stage.