Indonesia Revitalizes Ahmad Tohari Literary House to Strengthen Literature

RRI.CO.ID, Indonesia's Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, has inaugurated the revitalization of the Ahmad Tohari Literary House and Library in Banyumas as part of the government's commitment to preserving the nation's literary heritage. The initiative also aims to strengthen Indonesia's literacy ecosystem and expand access to cultural spaces for local communities.

Based on the release received by RRI VOI in Jakarta, Sunday, June 28, 2026, speaking at the inauguration, Fadli Zon said the Ministry of Culture remains committed to delivering impactful cultural programs despite budget efficiency measures. He noted that the government continues to prioritize the revitalization of cultural assets across the country.

"Although we are implementing budget efficiency measures, we are still able to revitalize around 159 cultural assets, including heritage sites and cultural hubs. Ahmad Tohari initiated a cultural center that encourages young people to read and serves as a literacy hub," Fadli Zon said.

The minister described the Ahmad Tohari Literary House as a strategic center for literacy that preserves the intellectual legacy of one of Indonesia's most prominent authors. He said the library welcomes students, university scholars, and members of the public every day through its collection and various literacy programs.

Fadli Zon also paid tribute to Ahmad Tohari for his contribution to Indonesian literature, highlighting his acclaimed novel Ronggeng Dukuh Paruk. He said the novel, along with its film adaptation The Dancer (Sang Penari), has introduced the cultural traditions, local values, and Banyumas dialect to wider audiences.

According to the minister, literature is one of humanity's oldest forms of cultural expression and plays an important role in documenting history, shaping national character, and promoting Indonesia's cultural diplomacy. However, he acknowledged that Indonesian literary works have yet to reach international readers on a broader scale.

To address this challenge, the Ministry of Culture is expanding several strategic programs, including literary translation initiatives, translator and literary promoter training, support for literary communities and festivals, national talent development, and intellectual property-based literary development. Fadli Zon added that Indonesia's rich cultural diversity should be managed collaboratively by governments, communities, businesses, and the public to generate sustainable cultural and economic value.

Ahmad Tohari welcomed the revitalization of the facility, saying it has become a vibrant gathering place for visitors and intergenerational discussions. Closing the event, Fadli Zon expressed hope that the Ahmad Tohari Literary House and Library would continue to thrive as a living library and cultural hub that supports sustainable cultural activities for future generations.