Pramoedya's book banned in C. Java

Pramoedya's book banned in C. Java

SEMARANG, Central Java: The government has ordered bookstores to remove all copies of the banned book, Cerita dari Blora, or Story from Blora, by Pramoedya Ananta Toer, from their shelves.

The book, published by Hasta Mitra of Jakarta, was banned in 1976 but began reappearing in local bookstores last year, said Harry Moerdiyono, chief of the provincial prosecutors office.

Harry said the book was banned because it describes a conflict between the author and the government. It also contains political messages which could undermine the state ideology, Pancasila, and the 1945 Constitution, he said.

Pramoedya, a prolific writer who was born and grew up in Blora, was imprisoned from 1965 until 1979 on Buru Island, Maluku, for alleged communist activities. The government has banned almost all of his works on similar grounds.

The local government is appealing to citizens in possession of the books to turn them in to the authorities. (har/pan)