Two Books by Gerindra Politician Daddy Rohanady Reviewed by Academics
BANDUNG — Two books by senior West Java Gerindra Party politician Daddy Rohanady were reviewed by academics at the West Java Literacy Festival, held at the West Java Archives and Library Agency (Bapusipda) office on Jalan Kawaluyaan, Bandung, on Tuesday (15/9/2026). The event, attended by hundreds of school pupils, university students and representatives of regional government organisations, proceeded in a lively atmosphere.
The two books reviewed were titled Kertajati and Antara Perut dan Maut (Between the Stomach and Death). Both were written while the Covid-19 pandemic was still raging and were published in April 2022. Kertajati raises various issues of governance and development, while Antara Perut dan Maut offers constructive self-criticism in a political genre.
Dr Hening Widiatmojo, MA, the first reviewer, judged Daddy’s writing compelling because it was born of direct experience as a politician and member of parliament.
According to Hening, Daddy’s work does not spring purely from a poet’s imagination. The various poems within it reflect the problems seen, heard and faced by society.
“Writing poetry is an outpouring of feeling,” Hening said in his review.
He highlighted a poem titled Caringin, which raises the issue of dam construction in Sukabumi Regency. According to him, the poem reflects concerns over incomplete infrastructure development.
Hening argued that Daddy’s work should be viewed from the perspective of an elected representative conveying concerns about development, rather than being judged purely on literary merit.
“The person writing is a politician in parliament. This is something extraordinary,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr H Ateng Kusnandar, SH, MM, a lecturer at UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, also reviewed the book. In his review, Ateng focused on the poem Jatigede and shared his experience as legal counsel to the Governor of West Java several years ago.
He recounted his involvement in handling a lawsuit filed by residents over the construction of the Jatigede Dam. According to Ateng, the suit was filed by 1,464 people and proceeded all the way to the cassation level.
Ateng said the government won the legal proceedings because it was supported by a complete body of evidence.
Daddy, for his part, explained that his choice of poetry was an effort to convey ideas simply. In his view, easily understood language brings criticism of development closer to the public, including the younger generation.
Various West Java development issues are poured into his writing, from transport and roads to the environment, mineral resources and the development of West Java International Airport (BIJB) Kertajati.
Daddy expressed hope that Kertajati could become a great window for West Java and a lever for the regional economy. He admitted to an emotional attachment to the airport’s development since its groundbreaking in the era of President Joko Widodo.
“I thought we had a great window — we could travel from and to West Java via Kertajati. But it then turned out differently,” he said.
Through the book review, Daddy hoped that literacy culture would not stop at reading activities. He encouraged young people to dare to think, write and convey ideas for the progress of West Java.
“Most importantly, the younger generation must realise that they are the ones who will take up the next baton,” said Daddy, who has served four terms as a legislator in the West Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD).