Famous Indonesian Writers

Vote for Your Favourite Indonesian Writers

Right IconThis ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.

 1 
Pramoedya Ananta Toer
(Indonesian Author Who Was Branded a Communist and Imprisoned for Most of His Career)
Pramoedya Ananta Toer
3
Birthdate: February 6, 1925
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Blora Regency, Indonesia
Died: April 30, 2006

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.

 2 
Hamka
(Indonesian Philosopher, Politician, Writer, Lecturer, and Journalist)
Hamka
3
Birthdate: February 17, 1908
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Agam Regency, Batang River, Indonesia
Died: July 24, 1981

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.

 3 
Asmirandah
(Indonesian Singer, Model, and Actress)
Asmirandah
2
Birthdate: October 5, 1989
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Jakarta, Indonesia
Asmirandah is an Indonesian singer, model, and actress. She achieved popularity in 2012 when she won the Favorite Actress award at the Panasonic Gobel Awards. The following year, she won the Favorite Actress award at the Nickelodeon Indonesia Kids' Choice Awards. Asmirandah is also a writer; she published a collection of short stories titled Lovandah in 2012.
Recommended Lists:
 4 
Raditya Dika
(The First YouTuber From Indonesia to Accumulate Over a Million Subscribers)
Raditya Dika
3
Birthdate: December 28, 1984
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Jakarta, Indonesia

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. 
 

 5 
Chairil Anwar
(Indonesian Poet Known for His Poems ‘Aku’, ‘Diponegoro’ and ‘Doa’)
Chairil Anwar
3
Birthdate: July 26, 1922
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Medan, Indonesia
Died: April 28, 1949

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.

 6 
Andrea Hirata
(Indonesian Author Who Became Popular With His Novel 'Laskar Pelangi')
Andrea Hirata
2
Birthdate: October 24, 1967
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Gantung, 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.
 

 7 
Amir Hamzah
(Indonesian Poet Who Contributed to the Development of the National Language)
Amir Hamzah
2
Birthdate: February 28, 1911
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Tanjung Pura, Langkat Regency Langkat, Dutch East Indies
Died: March 20, 1946

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.

 8 
Nh. Dini
(S.E.A. Write Award-Winning Indonesian Feminist Novelist)
Nh. Dini
2
Birthdate: February 29, 1936
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia
Died: December 4, 2018

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.

 9 
Mohammad Yamin
(Indonesian Poet and Politician Who Wrote the Draft Preamble to the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia)
Mohammad Yamin
2
Birthdate: August 24, 1903
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Sawahlunto, West Sumatra, Dutch East Indies
Died: October 17, 1962
Mohammad Yamin was an Indonesian poet and politician. He is best remembered for his contribution in writing the draft preamble to the 1945 State Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. He is also remembered for his service as the Minister of Law from 1951 to 1952. From 1953 to 1955, he served as the Minister of National Education.
 10 
Devina Hermawan
(Indonesian Author, Chef, and Cooking Instructor)
Devina Hermawan
2
Birthdate: November 11, 1993
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

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. 
 

 11 
Dewi Lestari
(Indonesian Singer-Songwriter and Author Known for Her Supernova Novel Series)
Dewi Lestari
2
Birthdate: January 20, 1976
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Bandung, 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.

 12 
Fitria Yusuf
(Indonesian Model and Influencer Who Is Also a Businesswoman and Author)
Fitria Yusuf
2
Birthdate: December 9, 1982
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Jakarta, Indonesia

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.

 13 
Emha Ainun Nadjib
(Indonesian Poet Who Leads the Kiai Kanjeng Group and Includes Islamic Themes)
Emha Ainun Nadjib
2
Birthdate: May 27, 1953
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Jombang Regency, East Java

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.

 14 
Eka Kurniawan
(The First Writer from Indonesia to Receive a Nomination for the Man Booker International Prize)
Eka Kurniawan
2
Birthdate: November 28, 1975
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Tasikmalaya, West Java

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.
 

 15 
Sapardi Djoko Damono
(Pioneer of Lyrical Poetry in Indonesia)
Sapardi Djoko Damono
2
Birthdate: March 20, 1940
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Surakarta, Central Java
Died: July 19, 2020
Sapardi Djoko Damono was an Indonesian poet best remembered for writing lyrical poems. Considered a pioneer of lyrical poetry in Indonesia, Sapardi was honored with several prestigious awards such as the Putera Poetry Award, Jakarta Arts Council Literary Award, and Akademi Jakarta Award. Sapardi Djoko Damono also worked at the University of Indonesia as a professor.
 16 
Widji Thukul
(Indonesian Political Activist and Poet)
Widji Thukul
2
Birthdate: August 26, 1963
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Solo, Central Java
Died: July 27, 1998
Widji Thukul is an Indonesian political activist and poet. A member of the People's Democratic Party, Thukul often wrote poems critical of the social conditions of Indonesia. Widji Thukul went missing on 10 February 1998 at the age of 34.
 17 
Mochtar Lubis
(Indonesian Novelist and Journalist)
Mochtar Lubis
2
Birthdate: March 7, 1922
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: nowrap Padang, Indonesia Padang, West Sumatra, Dutch East Indies
Died: July 2, 2004
Mochtar Lubis was an Indonesian novelist and journalist. He is credited with co-founding a newspaper called Indonesia Raya. He is also credited with co-founding Horison, a literary magazine. Lubis is best remembered for his novel Senja di Jakarta, which was the first novel from Indonesia to be translated into English. In 1958, he was honored with the Ramon Magsaysay Award.
 18 
Willibrordus S. Rendra
(One of the Greatest Indonesia Poets of All Time)
Willibrordus S. Rendra
1
Birthdate: November 7, 1935
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: flagicon Netherlands Surakarta, Dutch East Indies
Died: August 6, 2009
Willibrordus S. Rendra was an Indonesian poet, dramatist, performer, director, actor, and activist. Counted among the greatest Indonesian poets of all time, Rendra won several awards such as the S.E.A. Write Award, Adam Malik Award, and Achmad Bakri Award. Willibrordus S. Rendra is credited with hosting Indonesia's first international poetry festival.  
 19 
Y. B. Mangunwijaya
(Indonesian Writer, Architect, and Catholic Religious Leader)
Y. B. Mangunwijaya
1
Birthdate: May 6, 1929
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Ambarawa, Indonesia
Died: February 2, 1999
Y. B. Mangunwijaya was an Indonesian writer, architect, and Catholic religious leader. Over the course of his career, Mangunwijaya wrote many novels, essays, short stories, and non-fiction works. In 1996, he received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for his work The Weaverbirds. Y. B. Mangunwijaya was also a recipient of the Golden Windmill Award and Aga Khan Award for Architecture. 
 20 
Goenawan Mohamad
(Indonesian Poet, Playwright, Editor, and Essayist)
Goenawan Mohamad
1
Birthdate: July 29, 1941
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Batang Regency Batang, Central Java, Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia)
Goenawan Mohamad is an Indonesian poet, playwright, editor, and essayist. He is credited with founding an Indonesian magazine called Tempo for which he also serves as editor. An outspoken critic of the Indonesian government, Goenawan Mohamad has received several journalistic awards such as the CPJ International Press Freedom Award, Dan David Prize, and International Editor of the Year Award.
 21 
Ayu Utami
(Indonesian Writer Who is Best Known for Her Novel 'Saman')
Ayu Utami
1
Birthdate: November 21, 1968
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Bogor, Indonesia

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.
 

 22 
Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana
(Indonesian Writer and Editor)
Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana
1
Birthdate: February 11, 1908
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Natal, North Sumatra Natal, Dutch East Indies
Died: July 17, 1994

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.
 

 23 
Risa Saraswati
(Indonesian Singer Who Later Became a Popular Horror Author)
Risa Saraswati
1
Birthdate: February 24, 1985
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Bandung, Indonesia

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.

 24 
Mpu Prapanca
(Buddhist Monk and Author Who Wrote 'Nagarakretagama', a Eulogy to a Javanese King Named Hayam Wuruk)
Mpu Prapanca
1
Birthdate: 1300 AD
Birthplace: Indonesia
Died: 1350 AD

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.
 

 25 
Soe Tjen Marching
(An Academic and an Award-Winning Composer Who Is Also an Author)
Soe Tjen Marching
1
Birthdate: April 23, 1971
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Surabaya, Indonesia

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.

 26 
Clara Ng
(Indonesian Author Who Writes for Both Adults and Children)
Clara Ng
1
Birthdate: July 28, 1973
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Jakarta, Indonesia

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.