Appreciation of literature lacking

SEMARANG, Central Java: Scholar Ajip Rosidi lamented Monday the lack of appreciation for literature among Indonesians.

He pointed out that in the 1950s, Balai Pustaka, the nation's oldest publisher, often sold out a first print of 5,000 books within two months.

But now, according to Ajip, the publisher would be lucky to sell even 1,000 copies. (har)