Indonesian author Pramoedya Ananta Toer started his career as a typist in his teens. He penned his first novel in a Dutch prison camp, after being imprisoned for his revolutionary activities. Best known for his work the Buru Quartet, he later became a poster child for freedom of expression and human rights.
Hamka was an Indonesian philosopher, politician, writer, lecturer, and journalist. A prolific writer, Hamka is best remembered for his magnum opus Tafsir Al-Azhar, a 30-volume Qur'anic commentary. Apart from Tafsir Al-Azhar, he also wrote more than 100 books ranging from politics to philosophy. Hamka was honored by the Indonesian government with a National Hero of Indonesia title.
Raditya Dika is an Indonesian actor, writer, social media personality, and film director. He achieved popularity as a stand-up comedian before writing national bestselling books. Raditya Dika is also a famous YouTuber; he is the first YouTuber from Indonesia to accumulate over a million subscribers.
Chairil Anwar was an Indonesian poet whose work dealt with themes like existentialism, individualism, and death. His works, which have been translated into Dutch, French, and English, are credited with helping the evolution of the Indonesian language. His death anniversary is observed as National Literature Day in Indonesia.
Andrea Hirata is an Indonesian author who achieved popularity in 2005 when he published his first novel, Laskar Pelangi. In 2008, the novel was adapted into a movie of the same name by directors Mira Lesmana and Riri Riza. In 2013, Andrea Hirata was honored at the New York Book Festival.
Indonesian poet Amir Hamzah is best known for his works such as Buah Rindu and Nyanyi Sunyi. Apart from his poetry, he was also appreciated for his contribution to the development of Indonesia’s national language. He was named a National Hero of Indonesia. His works merged Islamic mysticism with Malay literary tradition.
Devina Hermawan is an Indonesian author, chef, and cooking instructor. Thanks to her popularity, Hermawan also appears on TV shows and commercials. Devina Hermawan is best known for her association with the fifth season of the popular television show, MasterChef Indonesia.
Apart from being a popular singer-songwriter, Dewi Lestari is also an award-winning author. Best known for her Supernova series of novels, she was initially part of the musical trio Rida Sita Dewi. Manny of her books have been adapted to movies. She has also created pieces that have merged music and stories.
Indonesian feminist literary figure Nh. Dini is best known for her novels such as My Name is Hiroko. Initially a flight attendant, she later lived with her French consul husband in Japan, Cambodia, the Philippines, and the US. The S.E.A. Write Award winner died in a vehicle collision in 2018.
Indonesian influencer, socialite, and model Fitria Yusuf is the daughter of business tycoon and philanthropist Jusuf Hamka. She serves the family business, Citra Marga Nusaphala Persada, as its deputy CEO. Apart from co-writing 2 bestselling books, she has also co-authored the fashion-centric Hermès Temptation, based on the French luxury brand Hermès.
Emha Ainun Nadjib, also known as Cak Nun, is an Indonesian poet and essayist who leads the Kiai Kanjeng group. His Lautan Jilbab was an iconic creation that supported the Islamic movement. His works are inspired by those of Sufi mystic and teacher Umbu Landu.
Eka Kurniawan is an Indonesian screenwriter and author. In 2016, he became the first writer from Indonesia to receive a nomination for the Man Booker International Prize. Eka Kurniawan has also received other prestigious awards such as World Readers Award and the Prince Claus Award.
Ayu Utami is an Indonesian writer best known for her 1998 novel Saman, which is widely regarded as her masterpiece. She is the pioneer of an Indonesian literary movement called Sastra wangi, which addresses controversial topics such as sexuality, religion, and politics. In 2000, Ayu Utami was honored with the prestigious Prince Claus Award.
Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana was an Indonesian writer and editor. He is best remembered as the founder and editor of an Indonesian avant-garde literary magazine called Poedjangga Baroe. An exponent of modernism, Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana also worked at National University as a professor from 1946 to 1948.
Sudanese-origin Indonesian singer and author Risa Saraswati is best known as a former member of the pop band Homogenic, or HMGNC. She also launched the band Sarasvati. She later focused on her writing career, exploring the horror genre, with the book Danur, which led to multiple film adaptations.
Mpu Prapanca was a Buddhist monk and author. He is best remembered for writing Nagarakretagama, a eulogy to a Javanese king named Hayam Wuruk. The eulogy also narrates the stories of ancient Hindu-Javanese kingdoms, including the Majapahit Kingdom, which was ruled by Hayam Wuruk.
Initially an academic who taught at various Australian universities and SOAS, Soe Tjen Marching later focused on her writing career, penning poems, short stories, and novels. She has also been an internationally renowned and award-winning composer of avant-garde music. Her research interests include languages, gender studies, and Indonesian politics.
While she initially worked for a shipping company, Indonesian author Clara Ng focused on her writing career after suffering 2 miscarriages. The 3-time Adhikarya Award winner is known for her novels such as Twin Eclipse. She also writes fairy tales for children and leads creative writing classes.