Death of a great writer<\/p>\n
Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana has died at the age of 86. We have
\nlost many great literary figures in the past. By using the term
\ngreat literary figure in reference to this man, I mean that,
\nbesides producing literary works of world standard, he pursued a
\nclear principle of life, which was beneficial for the nation.<\/p>\n
AFP refers to him as Indonesia's Literary Giant.<\/p>\n
Days before his death, Takdir still showed a strong will to
\nlive and to achieve something great. We certainly do not have
\nmany who even come close to the quality of Takdir. As a cultured
\nperson he was highly committed to the progress of the nation, and
\na firm believer in universal cultural values. As a great
\nachiever, he always aspired for something great and was
\ninvariably true to his principles.<\/p>\n
Takdir is no more, but his name will remain in the minds of
\nthe generations to come.<\/p>\n
-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Who does not know Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana? For most of us, he
\nis a monument. During our school days -- in the 1960s or 1970s,
\nwe knew him as the founder of the Pujangga Baru (Modern Writers
\nGroup), who manifested heroism in their literary works.<\/p>\n
Takdir sternly believed that for Indonesia to progress it
\nshould look to the West. And he was very consistent in his belief
\nwhen many people voiced sharp criticism against western culture.<\/p>\n
Whether we are conscious or not, the country's later
\ndevelopment, although not 100 percent, is oriented to the West.
\nAnd we are well aware that Takdir has played a role as a
\nconsistent protagonist of western culture in the evolution of our
\ncultural history.<\/p>\n
-- Republika, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/death-of-a-great-writer-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }