Ahmad Tohari's Literary House Becomes a Community Learning Space
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, believes that the Ahmad Tohari Literary House plays a strategic role as a literacy centre that not only preserves the intellectual heritage of a man of letters but also serves as a space for learning and inspiration for the public.
“Every day, the library and reading house are visited by students, university students, and the general public who utilise the collections and various literacy activities organised there,” said Fadli Zon in a statement received in Jakarta on Sunday.
The Ahmad Tohari Literary House is located in Tinggarjaya Village, Jatilawang District, Banyumas Regency, Central Java. The inauguration of the Ahmad Tohari Literary House is part of the Ministry of Culture’s ongoing commitment to supporting cultural advancement initiatives originating from the community.
“This Ahmad Tohari library and reading house can become a living library, a cultural pocket, and a site for continuous cultural activities,” said Fadli Zon.
“Even though we are currently implementing efficiencies, we can carry out revitalisations across approximately 159 cultural assets, including both heritage sites and cultural pockets. Mr Ahmad Tohari has initiated a cultural pocket that motivates the younger generation to read, acting as a sort of literacy centre,” he added.
Ahmad Tohlar welcomed this revitalisation. In his remarks, he noted the high number of visitors and the cross-generational discussions created through the library he manages.
The author has contributed to the advancement of Indonesian literature through various works, including the novel “Ronggeng Dukuh Paruk,” which explores the lives of the Banyumas people alongside themes of humanity, local traditions, and the unique Banyumasan language.
The adaptation of the novel “Ronggeng Dukuh Paruk” into the film “Sang Penari” has further expanded public appreciation for the cultural richness of Banyumas.
Fadli Zon stated that the spirit fostered by Ahmad Tohari aligns with the mandate of Article 32, Paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution, which is to advance Indonesia’s national culture amidst global civilisation through literary works. He noted that the initiative has fulfilled a cultural mission by presenting human values, national identity, and local wisdom to the wider public.
Literature, according to him, is one of the oldest forms of cultural expression and plays a crucial role in recording historical journeys, building national character, and strengthening Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy. Currently, Indonesia faces the challenge of suboptimal connectivity between Indonesian literary works and international readers.
Responding to this challenge, the Ministry of Culture is introducing various strategic programmes to strengthen the national literary ecosystem. These programmes include the Translator Laboratory and Literary Promoters, Literary Work Translation, Strengthening of Communities and Literary Festivals, National Talent Management in Literature, and the Development of Intellectual Property (IP)-based Literature.