“Literature is an essential part of our lives. Poetry, in particular, has captured the journey of Indonesia across eras -- from Pujangga Lama (Old Poets), Pujangga Baru (New Poets), Balai Pustaka, the Generation of ‘45, to the Generation of ‘66,” he said in an official statement in Jakarta on Sunday.
Fadli made the remarks while attending the “Malam Dzikir Puisi” (Evening of Poetry and Reflection), held by the UI Cross-Generation Literature and Theater Alumni at the University of Indonesia in Depok on Saturday (August 23). He said the event was especially meaningful amid the commemoration of Indonesia’s 80th year of independence.
According to him, Indonesia’s continued unity and resilience, grounded in its diverse cultural wealth, is something to be deeply grateful for. This cultural diversity, he noted, remains a unifying force for the nation.
Fadli highlighted that the Ministry of Culture currently has programs aimed at strengthening the national literary ecosystem and promoting the internationalization of Indonesian literature, enabling literary works from Indonesia to be appreciated and enjoyed by a global audience.
One such effort, he said, was the event "Sasana Sastra: Membaca 80 Tahun Indonesia" (Literary Forum: Reading 80 Years of Indonesia), held on August 22, 2025, at the Main Theater, Taman Ismail Marzuki in Jakarta. The event was part of the Ministry’s initiative to advance Indonesian literature.
“We want Indonesian literary works to become more widely known and appreciated by international audiences, not just at home,” Fadli said. “And we must also cultivate the domestic literary ecosystem. This includes, of course, poetry.”
Meanwhile, University of Indonesia Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Mahmud Subandriyo, stated that “Malam Dzikir Puisi” was organized as a space for collective reflection.
He reminded attendees that amid the nation's various challenges, the public must not forget to seek strength in the Divine.
“This event reaffirms the role of poetry in building civilization. Poetry connects our remembrance (dzikir) of the Creator with our love for the nation,” he said.
The Malam Dzikir Puisi featured poetry readings by prominent alumni of the University of Indonesia spanning five decades, from the 1970s to the present.
Among the performers were Sayuti Asyathrie, Linda Djalil, Yahya Andisaputra, Ali Sonhadj, Ishak Rafick, Neno Warisman, I. Yudhi Soenarto, Indrajaya Piliang, and others.
The event also included musical poetry performances by groups such as Mawar Merah Putih Indonesia, Swara SeadaNya, D'Yello, and Ahmad Munjid, alongside students from the University of Indonesia.
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Translator: Adimas, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Primayanti
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