Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo Promotes Literacy Through Six-Book Launch

RRI.CO.ID, Tokyo – The Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo is encouraging stronger literacy habits among young people and the Indonesian diaspora through the launch of six books by Indonesian writers in Japan on Monday, July 6, 2026.

The event, themed “Sowing Good Character Through Literacy from Indonesia for the World,” was held at the Indonesian Cultural Center at the Indonesian School in Tokyo complex. It was organized through a collaboration between the Japan chapter of Forum Lingkar Pena (FLP Japan) and the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo.

Muhammad Al Aula, Coordinator for Social and Cultural Information at the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, said literacy must continue to be nurtured as it is an essential foundation for developing critical thinking among younger generations.

“The message from Ambassador Nurmala Kartini Sjahrir is that literacy activities must continue to be strengthened for a better future for Indonesia. We need to prepare the next generation to become more engaged in literacy activities, whether through reading or writing," he said, quoted by an official statement.

He added that support for writing activities abroad is an important part of preserving the Indonesian spirit while also creating more space for the diaspora to produce meaningful works.

“The Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo always supports writing activities among the Indonesian diaspora. The full support of the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, including by providing the Indonesian Cultural Center at the Indonesian School in Tokyo as the venue for the event, is a clear sign of the importance of cross-institutional collaboration in nurturing Indonesian literacy abroad. The Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo extends its sincere appreciation to writers who continue to create works for the nation,” he added.

Chairperson of FLP Japan, Mursyida Nurfadhilla, expressed her appreciation for the presence of the writers and for the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo’s support in the shared effort to nurture Indonesian literacy from the Land of the Rising Sun.

“At Forum Lingkar Pena Japan, we believe that writing is not merely about arranging words, but also about sowing character, sharing ideas, and preserving our Indonesian roots in the Land of the Rising Sun. We are honored to host the launch of these works by Indonesian writers, and we hope these books will accompany readers on their literacy journey, both in Indonesia and in different parts of the world. Thank you for the full support from the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo,” Mursyida Nurfadhilla said.

The event introduced six books by Indonesian writers to members of the diaspora community. The titles were "Kumpulan Dongeng Fabel Pembangun Karakter", "Antologi Memoar Kehidupan: Bertahan dan Bertumbuh", "Jejak Terang di Ujung Malam", "Sajak Putih Sang Penuntun", "Surat-Surat yang Belum Usai", and "Satu Nusa, Beribu Rima".

In addition to the book launch, the event also featured a talk show with the writers, who shared stories about the creative process behind their works. The session was moderated by Indra Defandra, Chair of Yayasan Rumah Indonesia Menulis and Director of SIP Publishing.

Winners of the “Dongeng Fabel Pembangun Karakter Baik” writing competition also attended the event and received special recognition. The event was supported by SIP Publishing, PaberLand, and Yayasan Rumah Indonesia Menulis.

FLP Japan is a community of Indonesian diaspora writers in Japan that focuses on empowerment and literacy development. It is part of the wider Forum Lingkar Pena network in various countries, carrying the spirit of bringing written works from Indonesia to readers around the world.