Ministry Launches Six Indonesian Literary Classics in Translation

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia's Ministry of Culture has launched translations of six Indonesian literary classics as part of its effort to internationalize the nation's literature and strengthen cultural diplomacy. The launch took place during the Sasana Sastra: Reading Indonesian Classics event in Jakarta on Thursday, 2 July 2026 ahead of Indonesia's National Literature Day on July 3.

Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, said literature has become one of the key priorities in developing the country's cultural ecosystem through the National Talent Management program. He emphasized that literary development requires not only talented writers but also a strong ecosystem that supports creation, publishing, distribution, translation, promotion, and public appreciation.

"A literary ecosystem will thrive when every stage, from the creation of literary works, production, publishing, distribution, translation, promotion, and literary festivals to the growth of communities that keep these works alive, functions effectively from upstream to downstream," Fadli said.

He added that the government continues to promote the internationalization of Indonesian literature by nurturing young translators and literary promoters while supporting Indonesian authors' participation in international literary festivals. The Ministry has also introduced the Translation Funding Program (TFP) for foreign publishers acquiring the rights to Indonesian literary works.

"Through the translation of Indonesia's classical literary works, the Ministry of Culture reaffirms its commitment to making literature one of the pillars of cultural advancement as well as an instrument of cultural diplomacy," he said.

Fadli noted that many high-quality Indonesian literary works remain inaccessible to international readers because only a limited number have been translated into foreign languages. He said expanding literary translation is essential to introducing Indonesia's rich cultural heritage to global audiences.

He also highlighted Indonesia's extraordinary cultural diversity, with 1,340 ethnic groups, 718 local languages, and thousands of islands that have produced countless stories and literary traditions. According to him, this cultural wealth deserves wider international recognition through translated literary works.

The six translated classical literary works represent important milestones in the history of Indonesian literature, reflecting diverse historical periods, genres, and cultural backgrounds. They include Azab dan Sengsara by Merari Siregar, translated by Annie Tucker; Kehilangan Mestika by Fatimah Hasan Delais, translated by Syarafina Vidyadhana; Tanah Gersang by Mochtar Lubis, translated by Zoe McLaughlin; Dua Dunia by NH Dini, translated by Saut Situmorang; Balada Orang-orang Tercinta, a poetry collection by WS Rendra, translated by Lara Norgaard; and Surat Kertas Hijau by Sitor Situmorang, translated by Suzan Piper.

Fadli expressed hope that the initiative would mark the beginning of broader international recognition for Indonesian literature, allowing the world to discover not only its books but also Indonesia's identity and cultural values.