RRI.CO.ID, Makassar - Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the national literary ecosystem through support for the 2026 Makassar International Writers Festival (MIWF). The international literary festival was held at Fort Rotterdam in Makassar, South Sulawesi, from May 14–17, 2026, under the theme “Re-co-ordinate.”

For the past 15 years, MIWF has consistently served as a platform for collaboration among artists, communities, and the public across Indonesia. The festival features discussions, workshops, exhibitions, performances, and film screenings addressing social, cultural, environmental, and humanitarian issues.

Special Staff of the Cultural Diplomacy and International Relations of the Indonesia's Minister of Culture, Anissa Rengganis, said the sustainability of MIWF represents an important achievement amid the growing number of literary festivals in Indonesia. According to her, the festival’s consistency reflects the commitment and resilience of cultural communities in keeping cultural spaces alive and relevant.

“This is an extraordinary achievement. It requires commitment, strategy, energy, and resilience from those who continue to drive MIWF forward,” Anissa mentioned during the opening ceremony of MIWF 2026 in Makassar on Thursday May 14.

Anissa added that MIWF not only promotes literary discourse, but also creates opportunities for performing arts, visual arts, film, and civic activism to grow together. She described this year’s “Re-co-ordinate” theme as highly relevant for reconnecting cultural and social networks while encouraging the public to reflect on humanity amid today’s global challenges.

This year’s festival presents 144 programs involving hundreds of panelists, communities, and collaborators from various countries. The programs include talent development initiatives through workshops, exhibitions, dance performances, film screenings, and international literary networking forums supported by translation programs and public discussions.

The Ministry of Culture is also supporting the regeneration of young writers from Eastern Indonesia through the Emerging Writers MIWF program. In addition, the government is encouraging stronger Indonesia–France cultural diplomacy in literature and the documentation of the festival’s journey as a reference for future cultural ecosystem development.

Meanwhile, MIWF Director M. Aan Mansyur, expressed appreciation to all parties who have kept the festival alive and meaningful for the public. “MIWF has survived until today because it is driven by citizens and communities who continue to keep this festival alive year after year,” Aan Mansyur said.