Death of a great writer

Death of a great writer

Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana has died at the age of 86. We have lost many great literary figures in the past. By using the term great literary figure in reference to this man, I mean that, besides producing literary works of world standard, he pursued a clear principle of life, which was beneficial for the nation.

AFP refers to him as Indonesia's Literary Giant.

Days before his death, Takdir still showed a strong will to live and to achieve something great. We certainly do not have many who even come close to the quality of Takdir. As a cultured person he was highly committed to the progress of the nation, and a firm believer in universal cultural values. As a great achiever, he always aspired for something great and was invariably true to his principles.

Takdir is no more, but his name will remain in the minds of the generations to come.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta

Who does not know Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana? For most of us, he is a monument. During our school days -- in the 1960s or 1970s, we knew him as the founder of the Pujangga Baru (Modern Writers Group), who manifested heroism in their literary works.

Takdir sternly believed that for Indonesia to progress it should look to the West. And he was very consistent in his belief when many people voiced sharp criticism against western culture.

Whether we are conscious or not, the country's later development, although not 100 percent, is oriented to the West. And we are well aware that Takdir has played a role as a consistent protagonist of western culture in the evolution of our cultural history.

-- Republika, Jakarta