RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Ahmad Tohari, a prominent Indonesian writer, is renowned for works that depict rural life while exploring themes of humanity, social justice, and local wisdom.

Through his writings, particularly Ronggeng Dukuh Paruk, he introduced Banyumas culture to the national literary stage and enriched Indonesian literature. His contribution is seen not only as preserving cultural identity but also as broadening readers’ understanding of Indonesia’s diversity.

Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, stated that Ahmad Tohari’s works align with Article 32 Paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution, which mandates advancing Indonesian national culture among the world's civilizations.

According to him, Ahmad Tohari has fulfilled this cultural mission by presenting humanitarian values, national identity, and local wisdom through literature.

One of his most influential works, Ronggeng Dukuh Paruk, chronicles the lives of the Banyumas people, reflecting local traditions and the distinctive Banyumas language. The novel was later adapted into the film Sang Penari (The Dancer), which expanded public appreciation of Banyumas culture and Ahmad Tohari’s literary legacy.

Minister Fadli emphasized that literature is one of the oldest forms of cultural expression, playing a role in recording history, shaping national character, and strengthening Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy. However, he acknowledged that connecting Indonesian literary works with international readers remains a challenge.

To address this, the Ministry of Culture has introduced several strategic programs, including the Translation and Literary Promoter Laboratory, literary translation initiatives, strengthening literary communities and festivals, national talent management in the literary sector, and intellectual property (IP)-based literary development.

As part of these efforts, the ministry inaugurated the Ahmad Tohari Literary House in Tinggarjaya Village, Jatilawang Subdistrict, Banyumas Regency, Central Java.

Minister Fadli said the literary house plays a strategic role as a literacy center, preserving Ahmad Tohari’s intellectual legacy while serving as a space for community learning and inspiration.

“Every day, the library and reading house are visited by pupils, students, and the general public who make use of the collections and participate in literacy activities,” Minister Fadli said in a statement received in Jakarta on Sunday, June 28, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He added that the government remains committed to programs that have a tangible impact on cultural advancement, including the revitalization of 159 cultural assets, such as heritage sites and cultural enclaves.

According to him, the Ahmad Tohari Literary House is an initiative that motivates the younger generation to read and strengthens a culture of literacy.

“The Ahmad Tohari Library and Reading House can become a living library, a cultural enclave, and a hub for ongoing cultural activities,” he said.

Ahmad Tohari welcomed the revitalization, noting that the library he manages continues to attract visitors and serves as a space for cross-generational discussions. ***