Indonesia boosts literary talent through national program

“Literature cannot thrive solely through the presence of talented writers. A literary culture will flourish when its entire ecosystem runs well from upstream to downstream,” Culture Minister Fadli Zon said while opening the Sasana Sastra event here on Thursday.

He explained that a healthy literary ecosystem spans the entire value chain, beginning with the creation or production of literary works and extending to publishing, distribution, translation, promotion, as well as appreciation platforms and literary festivals.

The ministry has partnered with at least 18 literary festivals across Indonesia through a national festival consortium while promoting greater public appreciation of literature in various regions, he added.

“Approximately 3,225 selected literary works have been distributed through 35 literary community hubs across Indonesia. In 2025, we also supported the development of 7,500 literary talents through the National Talent Management program in the field of literature,” he said.

As literature is one of the 10 objects of cultural advancement, the ministry hopes Indonesian literary works will gain wider international recognition, be translated into more foreign languages, and become increasingly accessible to global audiences.

Moreover, with Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage—including 1,340 ethnic groups and 718 local languages spread across more than 17,000 islands—the country’s literary tradition is expected to continue growing sustainably.

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Translator: Sinta, Kenzu