Jakarta, Indonesia—The highly anticipated Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF) returns from 23-27 October 2024, bringing together a remarkable lineup of international and Indonesian writers and thinkers to discuss some of the biggest challenges of our times and explore this year’s Festival theme, ‘Satyam Vada Dharmam Chara: Speak the Truth, Practice Kindness.’

With less than three weeks to go, anticipation builds for the 21st Festival that promises to be a transformative experience for all participants, solidifying the Festival’s reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s premier literary events, featuring over 200 diverse and thought-provoking programs. Award-winning authors, leading journalists, and political commentators will take part in a series of poignant events to foster dialogue that transcends borders, inspires change, and strengthens the literary community, both locally and globally.

“One of the things that makes UWRF stand out compared to other literary festivals is its consistency in featuring world-class writers. For example, this year we have Maria Ressa, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning journalist from the Philippines. We also have Amitav Ghosh, an Indian writer who was just awarded the Erasmus Prize 2024. Many international and Indonesian writers will be present, and it is from them that we will connect and learn through sessions at UWRF this October," said Ratih Kumala, novelist and author of Gadis Kretek, which was recently adapted by Netflix, during a press conference held at The Dharmawangsa Jakarta.

Maltese award-winning journalist Paul Caruana Galizia, bestselling non-fiction author Sathnam Sanghera, and British-Japanese actor and writer Hanako Footman, as well as sustainability travel editor Juliet Kinsman and British award-winning writer and cook specializing in Chinese cuisine, Fuchsia Dunlop, will be presenting their latest works and making several appearances during the four-day festival weekend.

Adding to the exciting program, Atef Abu Saif, former Minister of Culture for the Palestinian Authority, will share his rare, unfiltered perspectives from Gaza. Human rights lawyer Sara M. Saleh, recognized for her advocacy in conflict zones, will discuss the challenges women face in these environments, while Myanmar's acclaimed dissident writer Ma Thida will explore her country’s struggles and the complex interplay of borders, migration, and human rights.

The Festival will also feature highly acclaimed Indonesian speakers, including fiction writer Dee Lestari, who will launch her new deeply personal work, Tanpa Rencana, and celebrated writer Ayu Utami, who provides insights into her breakthrough novel, Dekaden. The Festival will pay tribute to one of Indonesia’s literary giants, Pramoedya Ananta Toer, in a special panel featuring his 87-year-old brother, Soesilo Toer, while Goenawan Mohamad’s adaptation of Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes will celebrate its world premiere, offering a fresh take on the classic novel by blending Indonesian wayang golek with modern artistic elements.

“After our 20th anniversary, we are excited to build on last year’s success by offering an even more eclectic program of events and joy, alongside bold visions for the future,” said Janet DeNeefe, the festival's Founder and Director, during the press conference at The Dharmawangsa Jakarta. “We take pride in shining a spotlight on this vast yet often overlooked nation’s writers, artists, thinkers, and performers, with the hope that the world will one day recognize their talent, just as we do,” DeNeefe continued.

Indonesian novelist and activist Ayu Utami will make an appearance at the festival, along with South Korean writer and 2022 Booker Prize Nominee Bora Chung, West Papuan activist Esther Haluk, and British geopolitics expert Ben Bland. At the press conference, she emphasized the Festival’s importance and influence, particularly within Indonesia’s evolving social, political, and cultural landscape.

Among the speakers at the press conference was Agustinus Wibowo, who will delve into his latest work, Us and Them, and lead an exclusive masterclass during the festival. At the press conference, he said, “UWRF is not only a gathering of intellectuals, but also an intersection of spirituality. So it includes a physical journey and a journey into oneself. This is a festival that allows Indonesian writers to convey their voices to the global stage.”

Ade Mulyono, a young writer from Central Java, shares his perspectives as one of the ten writers selected for the Festival's 2024 Emerging Writers Program, highlighting the program’s impact on his writing career. Held annually since 2008, this program has been a beacon for discovering young Indonesian literary talents and introducing them to the regional and international literary scene. Over the last couple of weeks, the selected writers had the opportunity to participate in a mentorship program, culminating in the publication of their work in the annual anthology and being launched at the Festival.

THE 2024 FESTIVAL THEME

This year’s theme, 'Satyam Vada Dharmam Chara', which can be translated to ‘speak the truth, practice kindness,’ is an invitation to find our way towards building an environment where integrity and compassion are the guiding principles of our interactions and relationships. In a world in which spoken and written words often become blunt weapons in combat, the 2024 Festival wants to look far within, remembering and discussing the future of the small works of writers and readers who create goodness in the world of literature. It explores how writers influence the future of literature amidst the rapid advancement of technology and information, grounded in the principles of goodness and truth, and how these writers emerge as leaders and thinkers who authentically embody kindness in both their words and actions. Learn more at ubudwritersfestival.com/2024.

THE VENUE PARTNER

Renowned as an embodiment of Indonesian heritage and graceful hospitality, the luxurious boutique hotel in Jakarta has charmed discerning globetrotters since its opening more than 20 years ago. With personalised service and delightful dining options, The Dharmawangsa Jakarta’s timeless design and sophisticated appeal makes it an idyllic destination for your Easter getaway. Learn more at the-dharmawangsa.com.