KBRN, Jakarta: In commemoration of the 12th Indonesian Literature Day, the Ministry of Culture held a special ceremony at the Plasa Insan Berprestasi, Ministry of Education and Culture complex Wednesday, (25/06/2025). The highlight of the event was the launch of a six-volume book collection honoring the 90th birthday of Taufiq Ismail, one of Indonesia’s most esteemed literary figures. This celebration reflected the ministry’s firm commitment to strengthening the national literary ecosystem.

In his address, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon praised the theme of the event, “Rooted in the Earth, Reaching for the Sky,” which he noted was inspired by one of Taufiq Ismail’s poetry anthologies. The phrase, he explained, embodies the spirit of grounding in tradition and culture while aspiring toward innovation and broader cultural transformation. According to the minister, literature plays a vital role as a mirror of human life and an essential root of cultural evolution.

The Ministry of Culture has initiated several strategic programs aimed at enriching Indonesian literature. These include talent development, literary festivals, the creation of literary communities, and efforts to internationalize Indonesian works. One notable initiative is the Literary Translation Laboratory, designed to translate Indonesian literary works into English and other major global languages, broadening their international reach.

Minister Fadli also emphasized the importance of expanding literary infrastructure nationwide. Programs such as the National Literary Talent Management, literature-based intellectual property development, and cultural promotion were launched to ensure literature becomes a tool for shaping national identity in the face of global change. “Our goal is to grow Indonesian literature on a massive scale across all regions,” he stated.

The celebration also paid tribute to Taufiq Ismail’s lifelong contribution to Indonesian letters. His works, spanning over six decades, have captured key social, cultural, and political moments in the nation’s history. Taufiq is also known for founding the literary magazine Horisonw in 1966 and establishing the Rumah Puisi (House of Poetry) in Aie Angek, West Sumatra.

The ceremony featured a moving series of poetry readings and musical performances from prominent public figures. Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim shared a video reading of “Dengan Puisi, Aku” (With Poetry, I), while Ary Ginanjar Agustian performed “Kupu-Kupu di dalam Buku” (Butterflies in the Book). Indonesian officials, including the Ministers of Religion and Education, recited selected poems by Taufiq Ismail, highlighting the interconnection between leadership and culture.

A standout moment was Taufiq Ismail’s own reading of “Father’s Small Advice to His Son Coming of Age,” followed by translations of the poem in Arabic, Turkish, and English by cultural figures from respective regions. This segment symbolized the transcultural influence of Indonesian literature and its growing relevance on the world stage.

The event concluded with performances from renowned artists including Sam Bimbo and Iman Soleh, reinforcing the role of literature as a unifying and inspiring force in Indonesian society. Minister Fadli Zon expressed hope that this celebration would inspire young writers to follow Taufiq Ismail’s path and contribute to a more vibrant literary landscape. “His legacy is a cultural treasure,” Fadli said. “We hope new works will emerge and connect with global audiences.”