In celebration of International Literacy Day, commemorated this Sunday, 8 September, we take a moment to reflect on the remarkable Indonesian authors and poets who have been honored with the Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Awards over the years.

These distinguished Indonesian figures have made significant contributions to the promotion of literacy and education in the country through their work in literature. Their dedication to the written word has not only enriched Indonesia’s literary heritage but also fostered a culture of reading and learning that continues to inspire generations.

2017: NH. Dini

Nurhayati Srihardini Siti Nukatin, better known by her pen name Nh. Dini, is one of Indonesia's most respected and prolific novelists, and one of the nation’s first writers whose work is themed around feminism. Her first novel was published in 1961, with 20 books published since. She received the SEA Write Award in 2003. Her most famous works include Pada Sebuah Kapal, published in 1973, and Pertemuan Dua Hati, published in 1986. Nh. Dini passed away a year after receiving the Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award, but her works remain timeless and influential.

2018: Sapardi Djoko Damono

Sapardi Djoko Damono is one of Indonesia’s best-loved poets. He has published 50 books, spanning poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and essays. His works have been translated into 13 languages and inspired several musical compositions and films. Sapardi has received various awards, and the Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award is one of them. His widely celebrated works include Hujan Bulan Juni, published in 1994, and Yang Fana Adalah Waktu, published in 2018. Sapardi passed away in 2020, leaving a profound legacy that continues to inspire generations.

2019: I Made Taro

Born in 1939 in Sengkidu, East Bali, Made Taro was educated as an archaeologist, but found his life’s mission in writing poetry and folklore for children. He travels across Bali and beyond, teaching children about the magic of traditional games, songs, and folklore. He has written more than 30 books on these subjects and received several awards for his work in education, culture, and literature. He received the Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the age of 80.

2020: Toeti Heraty

Toeti Heraty is a distinguished Indonesian writer, activist, and philosopher. A trailblazer for women in academia, she became the first female doctor of philosophy in the country and the first woman to serve as the rector of Institut Kesenian Jakarta. She has published more than 20 books, and her work Calon Arang: The Story of a Woman Victimized by Patriarchy offers a profound reexamination of one of Indonesia’s most iconic figures, shedding light on the themes of gender and power in a patriarchal society. She passed away in 2021 at the age of 87.

2021: Budi Darma

Budi Darma is widely regarded as an influential writer and intellectual. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades, including the S.E.A. Write Award in 1984 and the Mastera Literary Award in 2011. His works often explore themes of literary criticism. One of his most celebrated books, Orang-orang dari Bloomington, was translated into English by Tiffany Tsao in 2022 and won the PEN Translation Prize in 2023. Budi passed away just a few months before the Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented, and his family accepted the award on his behalf.

2022: Putu Oka Sukanta

Born in 1939, Putu Oka Sukanta is a writer and journalist who has written extensively about Indonesia’s political conditions and humanity. He was imprisoned without trial in the New Order era. His trilogy of novels reflecting the face and character of the regime: Merajut Harkat, Istana Jiwa, dan Celah, have been published in English by the Lontar Foundation, and translated by Keith Foulcher. Ten years before receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, he was bestowed the Hellman/Hammet Award by Human Rights Watch.

2023: Putu Wijaya

Putu Wijaya is a versatile artist with a diverse range of talents. His creative pursuits extend to writing across various mediums, including stage plays, film scenarios, novels, short stories, essays, poetry, and columns, as well as visual arts. Among his notable literary works is the acclaimed novel Telegram. Putu's exceptional talent in screenplay writing has been recognized with the prestigious Piala Citra award, Indonesia's equivalent of the Academy Awards, which he has won three times.

This award reflects the Festival's dedication to honouring and celebrating Indonesian writers whose contributions have left a lasting impact on the literary landscape. By recognizing these remarkable individuals, the Festival highlights their role in shaping the nation's cultural and intellectual heritage.

As the 2024 Festival draws near, we’re thrilled to share that this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient has already been chosen. Keep an eye out for the official announcement coming soon.

Support the Festival’s mission to honor Indonesia’s literary giants by joining our 2024 Festival and to support our work with a donation. Your involvement helps celebrate the incredible contributions of writers who have shaped our cultural and intellectual heritage.