Fadli Zon Launches Poetry Anthology 'Dreams I Keep'

Fadli Zon has emphasised that poetry is a vital literary medium for building civilisation and strengthening national cultural identity. According to him, literary works serve not only as spaces for creative expression but also as means to record collective memory, expand humanistic insights, foster sensitivity, and establish a dialogue with surrounding social realities.

“Poetry is an important literary medium because it is capable of capturing things that often escape everyday language. Through poetry, we can record inner experiences, convey hopes, anxieties, and even social criticism in a more reflective and humane manner,” Fadli Zon stated on Wednesday (3/6/2026).

He added that ‘Dreams I Keep’ serves as a documentation of a life and creative journey, recording the phases of character formation, thought, and his views on life from childhood and adolescence through to his early university years. Consequently, the republication of this book is expected to inspire the younger generation to engage more closely with the world of literature and to use writing as a space for expression and self-reflection.

In his capacity as Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon emphasised the importance of strengthening the national literary ecosystem by supporting writers, poets, literacy communities, publishers, and various creative spaces that allow high-quality works to flourish. “Poetry and literature are essential parts of our culture. Through literature, we nurture language, record the passage of time, and enrich our national perspective. Therefore, strengthening the literary ecosystem must be part of the effort to advance Indonesian culture,” said Fadli Zon.

Furthermore, he expressed hope that the publication and relaunch of ‘Dreams I Keep’ would not only serve as a moment of personal reflection but also encourage reading interest, literary appreciation, and a spirit of creativity among the youth. He believes that a stronger Indonesian literary ecosystem will lead to a greater cultural contribution in building national character and strengthening Indonesia’s position on the global stage.

As part of an effort to expand reader reach, this anthology has also been published in English under the title ‘Dreams I Keep: A Collection of Poems, 1983-1991’. The book is published by Horison in collaboration with the Fadli Zon Library, presenting an important documentation of Fadli Zon’s literary journey and contributing to the development of Indonesian poetry. The collection features various themes reflecting personal experiences, childhood memories, intellectual anxieties, a love for nature, and social reflections that began to emerge during the author’s formative years. Through these poems, readers are invited to trace the inner journey of a young poet who would later become widely known in the worlds of politics, culture, and literacy.