KBRN, Jakarta: Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno officially opened the 2025 Jakarta International Literary Festival (JILF) at the Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) Theater Plaza, Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, November 13, 2025.

Rano emphasized that the festival affirms Jakarta’s identity beyond its concrete landscape. “Jakarta is also a city of conversation, a city of imagination, and a city that believes literature has the power to heal, challenge, and rekindle consciences,” he said, as reported by the official website of the Central Jakarta Administration.

Speaking before writers from Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, Iran, Germany, Ukraine, and other countries, Rano described the festival’s theme, Homeland in Our Bodies, as both lyrical and profound.

He explained that homeland is not merely a geographical expanse, but also a silent memory, a wound, a language, and a hope carried within each individual. “Literature allows us to recall what it means to be human in a world where war, genocide, climate catastrophe, conquest, and global capitalism invade human existence,” he said.

As Jakarta approaches its 500th anniversary, Rano noted that the city is beginning to write a new chapter. “I stand here not only as Deputy Governor of Jakarta, but also as a member of this city,” he added.

He also highlighted the Jakarta Provincial Administration’s literacy initiatives, including reading parks, digital libraries, public reading spaces open late into the night, and school-based programs.

He hopes that JILF will serve as a home for dialogue for those wounded and a beacon for those seeking a way home.

The four-day festival, themed Homeland in Our Bodies, runs until November 16, 2025, with participation from writers representing six countries.

Fadrjiah Nurdiasih, Head of the Jakarta Arts Council (DKJ) Literature Committee, stressed that JILF is designed as a space for dialogue that broadens public horizons. “JILF always promotes the exchange of ideas and experiences across disciplines. We want the public to have broader access to knowledge,” she said, as reported by RRI.

She emphasized that JILF has maintained a strong educational focus since its inception. “We don’t position JILF as entertainment that seeks to attract crowds. This festival prioritizes education and intellectual encounters,” she explained.

According to Fadrjiah, humanity remains the central theme this year, reflecting the community’s social experiences. “Last year, we brought humanitarian issues into many sessions. This year, we continue that focus as a social commitment,” she said.

Australian writer and academic Katharine E. McGregor praised JILF’s approach, saying it strengthens cross-cultural understanding through literacy and dialogue. “The format creates a safe space for critical reading of social issues,” she said.

She added that the festival helps participants understand the relationship between literary works and human experience, keeping the public engaged in important conversations.

McGregor also emphasized the importance of continuity in literacy spaces, noting that sustained programs strengthen JILF’s role in the wider community.

JILF 2025 features a diverse range of events. The Authors’ Forum will showcase 23 Indonesian writers from regions including Bireuen, Boyolali, Singkawang, Larantuka, Mamuju, and Paniai, alongside four international writers.

The Reading Night program will present works by 11 authors, while Tumbuh dan Merambat (Live Mural) will feature murals created by six artists.

Other highlights include collaborative programs, a community literacy market, a book bazaar, book launches, discussions on current issues, and a closing spoken word performance. ***