Jakarta Content Week – pulau imaji

JAKARTA CONTENT WEEK: SOUTHEAST ASIA SYNERGY

As part of our ongoing mission to establish Jakarta Content Week as a pivotal literacy and creative hub in Southeast Asia, the 17,000 Pulau Imaji Foundation, with support from Dana Indonesiana, LPDP (Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education Agency), and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia is excited to present Jakarta Content Week (JakTent) 2024: Southeast Asia Synergy.

Scheduled for August 9-11, 2024, at Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta, this event aims to bridge the literary worlds of Southeast Asian countries, overcoming challenges such as language differences, geopolitical barriers, and the lack of previous initiatives to connect our diverse literary communities.

A. PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Friday, 9 August 2024

1. What is the Importance of Publishing Southeast Asian Authors’ Books?

Time : 13.30 – 15.30 (Jakarta time)

Place : Teater Wahyu Sihombing, Taman Ismail Marzuki

Why are there so few translated books from neighboring countries published in Indonesia, and why are there so few Indonesian books available in neighboring countries? Is this purely due to a lack of market demand, or are there other factors at play? In this session, we will delve into this issue and seek effective solutions to increase the publication of books from neighboring countries in Indonesia and vice versa.

Speakers:

· Nora Nazerene Abu Bakar (Vice President & Publisher of Penguin Random House SEA, Singapore)

· Andry Setiawan (Editor at Penerbit Haru, Indonesia)

· Ronny Agustinus (Publisher of Penerbit Marjin Kiri, Indonesia),

· Edmund Wee (CEO of Epigram Books, Singapore)

· Andrea Pasion-Flores (Publishers of Milflores Publishing, Inc.,Philippines)

Moderator: Nina Andiana (Editor at Penerbit Gramedia Pustaka Utama, Indonesia)

2. SEA Publishers Forum and Pitching

Time : 16.00 – 18.00 (Jakarta time)

Place : Teater Wahyu Sihombing, Taman Ismail Marzuki

Representatives of publishers will be asked to present the profile of their publishing house, explain the works of writers they are looking to acquire, works they have purchased from other Southeast Asian countries, and highlight notable works they have published. This session aims to exchange information about the works sought by publishers in the Southeast Asian region and to facilitate copyright transactions between attending publishers.

Participant: Indonesia and Southeast Asia Publishers

Moderator: Wedha Stratesti Yudha (International Project Manager Gramedia Publishers, Vice President for International Cooperation and Relations Indonesian Publishers Association)

Saturday, 10 August 2024

1. What Efforts Can Be Made to Connect Cities, Festivals, and Literary Movements in Southeast Asia?

Time : 13.30 – 15.30 (Jakarta time)

Place : Teater Wahyu Sihombing, Taman Ismail Marzuki

The designation of Jakarta as one of the Cities of Literature in 2022 continued the growing awareness of building city-based literature in Southeast Asia. Previously, Kuala Lumpur was awarded the World Book Capital title by UNESCO. At the same time, Ho Chi Minh, Penang, Bangkok, and Manila also strive to become literacy-friendly cities by hosting various agendas and literary festivals. Learn how these cities, designated as literary centers, are collaborating to build a vibrant regional literary movement with global impact.

Speakers:

· M. Aan Mansyur (Director of Makassar International Writers Festival, Indonesia)

· Anton Kurnia (Chair of Literature Committee at the Jakarta Arts Council, Indonesia)

· Pauline Fan (Literary Festival Curator, Malaysia)

· William Phuan (Executive Director of Singapore Book Council, Singapore)

Moderator: Laura Bangun Prinsloo (Focal Point of Jakarta UNESCO City of Literature, Indonesia)

2. Bridging Cultures: The Art of Literary Translation (1)

Time : 13.00 – 15.00 (Jakarta time)

Place : Ruang Seni Rupa, Taman Ismail Marzuki

One major obstacle to promoting Indonesian books internationally is the shortage of translators who are not only fluent in the language but also deeply understand both Indonesian literature and the literary scene of the target countries. Thus, it is essential to cultivate skilled Indonesian translators who can effectively translate Indonesian books into multiple languages

Speaker: Dalih Sembiring (Translator, Indonesia)

3. How Do Translators Work to Bring Literature Beyond Their Country?

Time : 16.00 – 18.00 (Jakarta time)

Place : Teater Wahyu Sihombing, Taman Ismail Marzuki

Translators are at the forefront of transforming national literature into international literature. However, as Jose Saramago pointed out, the role of translators is often overlooked as facilitators of dialogue between two different cultures. In the context of literature in Southeast Asia, there has been little discussion on the importance of translators in bringing the works of Southeast Asian writers to the global stage. There have also been a few efforts to bring together translators from Southeast Asia to discuss and exchange best practices. In this session, we will discuss the role of translators in internationalizing literature in the Southeast Asian region.

Speakers:

· John H. McGlynn (Director of Publications Lontar Foundation, Indonesia)

· Alfian Sa’at (Writer, Singapore)

· Nguyễn An Lý (Translator, Vietnam)

Moderator: Ayu Widari (Associate Government Translator, Indonesia)

4. Can the Southeast Asian Landscape Be Understood Through B-Side Stories?

Time : 19.00 – 21.00 (Jakarta time)

Place : Teater Wahyu Sihombing, Taman Ismail Marzuki

Major events such as colonialism, the Cold War, and dictatorship are believed to have been key factors shaping the social and cultural landscape in Southeast Asian countries today. Consequently, themes that address these significant events often emerge in the works of writers from Southeast Asia, whether explicitly or implicitly. Some writers choose to directly highlight how these major events unfolded in their respective countries. However, others shift their focus to seemingly simple events, such as everyday life within families and communities, yet these stories inevitably contain their own social and cultural complexities, often correlating with significant historical events of the past. In this session, we will discuss how several writers in Southeast Asia attempt to narrate their selves, environments, and nations through simple yet captivating stories.

Speakers:

· Eric Tinsay Valles (Poet and Director, Poetry Festival Singapore, Philippines)

· Jidanun Lueangpiansamut (Translator, Thailand)

· Ratih Kumala (Writer, Indonesia)

· Agustinus Wibowo (Writer, Indonesia)

Moderator: Teddy W. Kusuma (Writer, Co-Founder of POST, Indonesia)

Sunday, 11 August 2024

1. Can Literary Journals Connect Literature Across Southeast Asia?

Time : 13.30 – 15.30 (Jakarta time)

Place : Teater Wahyu Sihombing, Taman Ismail Marzuki

Online literary journals serve as vital platforms for sharing Southeast Asian voices. They should serve as one of the gateways to understanding literacy development in each country in the Southeast Asian region. With periodic journal formats, readers from each country can continue to follow the latest developments in the literary world in the Southeast Asian region. Discover how these journals can foster cross-border collaborations and offer insights into the region’s diverse literary landscapes.

Speakers:

· Berto Tukan (Researcher, Indonesia)

· Hafiz Hamzah (Editor of Jurnal Svara, Malaysia)

· Kirsten Han (Managing Editor of Mekong Review, Singapore)

Moderator: Areispine Dymussaga Miraviori (Researcher, Indonesia)

2. Bridging Cultures: The Art of Literary Translation (2)

Time : 13.00 – 15.00 (Jakarta time)

Place : Ruang Seni Rupa, Taman Ismail Marzuki

Speaker: Dalih Sembiring (Translator, Indonesia)

3. What Untold Stories Lie Beyond the Recorded History of Southeast Asia?

Time : 16.00 – 18.00 (Jakarta time)

Place : Teater Wahyu Sihombing, Taman Ismail Marzuki

In several Southeast Asian countries, a prominent geopolitical trend involves the majority society imposing specific values as the cornerstone of the state, leading to persecution and oppression of minority communities based on gender, religion, race, and political ideology. Throughout history, such violence has often been sanctioned by the state. Through this topic, writers will explore the dynamics of domination and discrimination, examining how literature addresses these issues. Can literature serve as a form of resistance for those facing discrimination and persecution? Furthermore, how can solidarity be fostered among the victims?

Speakers:

· Marylyn Tan (Writer, Singapore)

· Glenn Diaz (Writer, Philippines)

· Okky Madasari (Writer, Indonesia)

· Dhianita Kusuma Pertiwi (Writer, Indonesia)

Moderator: Sebastian Partogi (Journalist, Indonesia)

4. Are Emerging Southeast Asian Writers Seeking to Move Beyond National Literatures?

Time : 19.00 – 21.00 (Jakarta time)

Place : Teater Wahyu Sihombing, Taman Ismail Marzuki

After the colonial era and the proclamation of independence by Southeast Asian nations, the initial efforts of these new societies were focused on forging their national identities. Literature emerged as a key medium in shaping them. National literature, driven by the quest to define and solidify national identity, subsequently established a canon that became the standard for literary perception in each country across Southeast Asia. However, decades after independence, is national literature, burdened with the weight of national identity, still relevant? Today, we witness the emergence of young writers in Southeast Asia who appear liberated from the canonization imposed by national literature in their countries. They freely explore diverse themes and genres from various corners of the world, moving in directions unconstrained by traditional boundaries.

Speakers:

· Ziggy Zezsyazeoviennazabrizkie (Writer, Indonesia)

· Sigrid Marianne Gayangos (Writer, Teacher, Philippines)

· Sabda Armandio (Writer, Indonesia)

· Wan Nor Azriq (Novelist, Malaysia)

Moderator: Dewi Kharisma Michellia (Writer, Indonesia)

B. OUR PANELIST

· Agustinus Wibowo is an Indonesian travel writer and photographer known for his exploration of themes like identity and culture. His travels have taken him to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Papua New Guinea, as well as to the Netherlands and Suriname to study the Indonesian diaspora. His notable books include Selimut Debu (A Blanket of Dust), Garis Batas (Borderlines), Titik Nol (Zero), and his latest work, Kita dan Mereka (Us and Them), which delve into the complexities of identity and belonging.

· Alfian Sa’at is the Resident Playwright of Wild Rice. His published works include poetry collections, short stories, flash fiction, and plays. He has translated several novels from Malay to English, and his works have been translated into multiple languages.

· Amir Muhammad is the founder and managing director of Buku Fixi, a Malaysian publishing company with a focus on urban fiction. Since 2011 it has published almost 300 novels and short-story collections, including about a dozen adapted from the Indonesian language. He also produces movies under the company Kuman Pictures.

· Andrea Pasion-Flores is the publisher at Milflores Publishing Inc. in the Philippines, focusing on literary fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and more. She is the current president of the Book Development Association of the Philippines.

· Andry Setiawan is the editor-in-chief of Penerbit Haru, a publishing house specializing in Asian popular fiction. He is responsible for strategizing upcoming books, translating, and editing. Andry also runs a learning space for young translators at Penerbit Mai.

· Anton Kurnia is a writer, literary translator, and freelance editor with over 15 published books. He has extensive experience in the publishing industry and serves as the Chair of the Literature Committee at the Jakarta Arts Council and the Director of the Jakarta International Literary Festival.

· Areispine Dymussaga Miraviori is an independent researcher focusing on Southeast Asia’s cultural studies and literature. They are currently enrolled as a doctoral student in the Department of Comparative Literature at the University of California Riverside.

· Berto Tukan is a writer and independent researcher based in Jakarta. He is an editor of Jurnal Karbon, a magazine from Ruangrupa. He is also currently working as a subject coordinator at Gudskul: Contemporary Collective Study and Art Ecosystem, an alternative study institution founded by three art communities in Jakarta: ruangrupa, serrum and Grafis Huru Hara. In addition to short stories and poetry, Berto also writes a number of essays in various print and online media, and spends time in many art research projects. He has often worked with the Jakarta Arts Council to research for their programme. With some of his friends, he has published alternative print media such as Pendar Pena, Problem Filsafat and Dada Terbit.

· Dalih Sembiring has been translating for over 17 years and contributed to The Jakarta Post and Jakarta Globe. His translation of Lelaki Harimau was long-listed for the 2016 Man Booker International Prize. He teaches creative and academic writing and speaks at various writing and translation workshops.

· Dewi Kharisma Michellia is a writer, translator, and editor. Her works include the novel Surat Panjang tentang Jarak Kita yang Jutaan Tahun Cahaya (2013) and the short story collection Elegi (2017). She is involved in the collective Ruang Perempuan dan Tulisan and works for the Jakarta Arts Council’s literature committee.

· Dhianita Kusuma Pertiwi is a Jakarta-based writer, editor, and translator focusing on the 1965-66 Indonesian mass human rights violations. Her latest work is Rumah Dukkha, a short-story collection exploring the psychological trauma of the victims. She co-founded Footnote Press and serves as the editor-in-chief.

· Edmund Wee is the Publisher and CEO of Epigram Books, Singapore’s leading independent publisher and a key figure in its literary scene. He has published over 300 titles, including works by Adeline Foo, Jeremy Tiang, and Amanda Lee Koe. In 2015, he launched the Epigram Books Fiction Prize (EBFP) for unpublished fiction from Singapore and Southeast Asia. Edmund, also a designer, received the President’s Design Award in 2008, Singapore’s highest honor in the field.

· Eric Tinsay has published poetry collections A World in Transit and After the Fall: Dirges among Ruins. He co-edited several anthologies and has won awards such as the Goh Sin Tub Creative Writing prize. Eric has presented his work at prestigious universities and is a director of the Poetry Festival (Singapore).

· Glenn Diaz’s novels The Quiet Ones (2017) and Yñiga (2022) have received the Philippine National Book Award. He also published When the World Ended I Was Thinking about the Forest (2022). Glenn holds a PhD from the University of Adelaide and lives in Quezon City.

· Hafiz Hamzah is the editor of the journal Svara, now in its 14th issue since its inception in 2020. For over a decade, he has also managed the independent publisher Obscura, producing Malay literary works and titles on music and photography. His publications include poetry collections Malakalis (2014) and Gertak Sanggul (2016), and essay collections Bor (2017) and Kala Aksara Tak Lepas di Mata Kita Tak Seharusnya Gelisah (2021).

· Jidanun Lueangpiansamut is the youngest recipient of the Southeast Asia Literature Award (SEA WRITE). With over 25 books in various genres, her works are popular among literary communities and mainstream readers. One of her novels, City of Stars, was adapted into a TV series, earning positive reviews both in Thailand and internationally.

· John H. McGlynn is a co-founder of the Lontar Foundation, established in 1987 to promote Indonesian literature globally. He has facilitated the publication of nearly 250 books and translated works by over 650 Indonesian authors. As a translator himself, John has received international acclaim.

· Kirsten Han is the managing editor of Mekong Review, a quarterly literary magazine focused on Asia. She also runs We The Citizens, a newsletter covering Singapore from a rights-based perspective. She has received accolades including an Honourable Mention for the World Justice Project’s Anthony Lewis Prize and a Human Rights Press Award. In 2024, she won the Portside Review Human Rights Essay Prize.

· Laura is the chair of 17,000 Islands of Imagination Foundation, a non-profit organization working to improve the quality of literary and creative content in Indonesia. The foundation also organizes the Jakarta Content Week (Jaktent)- a festival in rights trade and IP marketplace for the Asia Pacific region together with Frankfurt Book Fair. She is also the focal point for Jakarta as Unesco City of Literature. From 2016-2019 Laura chaired the Indonesian National Book Committee, then from 2019-2020 she served as the Executive Chair for Jakarta Book City Committee.

· M. Aan Mansyur is a writer and photography enthusiast. He is currently the director of the Makassar International Writers Festival.

· Marylyn Tan is a queer Chinese Singaporean writer-artist. Her debut GAZE BACK was won for the Singapore Literature Prize. Her work explores themes of abjection, vulgarity, and pleasure. Find her online at @marylyn.orificial (IG) and @grinchfucker (Twitter).

· Nguyễn An Lý’s translations into Vietnamese include works by Margaret Atwood, Kazuo Ishiguro, Richard Flanagan, Jorge Luis Borges, and the poetry in The Lord of the Rings. She won English PEN Translates Awards for Chinatown (Tilted Axis Press, 2022) and Elevator in Sài Gòn (Tilted Axis Press, 2024) by Thuận, and Water: A Chronicle (Major Books, 2024) by Nguyễn Ngọc Tư. Chinatown also won the 2023 ALTA National Translation Award in Prose. She co-edits the independent online journal Zzz Review.

· Ni Putu Ayu Widari, an Associate Government Translator, has been working at the Agency for Language Development and Cultivation, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology since 2006. She is currently the coordinator of translation for language diplomacy purposes.

· Nina Andiana started her career as a writer-editor for an English language magazine before switching to book publishing as an editor at Gramedia Pustaka Utama. With more than 10 years of experience in translation and editing, she is now working as the Editorial & Production Manager for Fiction & Children’s Books.

· Nora Nazerene is the Vice President & Publisher of Penguin Random House Southeast Asia. With two decades of publishing experience, she spearheads the Southeast Asian Classics series and has brought works by numerous prolific authors to a wider audience. Nora is committed to discovering and promoting diverse voices from the region.

· Okky Madasari is an Indonesian writer, sociologist, and founder of Omong-Omong Media Group and OM Institute. She has published 10 fiction and non-fiction books, including children’s novels. She has received various awards for her works and activism. In the academic world, she focuses her research on the sociology of knowledge, knowledge production, freedom of expression, and censorship. She received her PhD degree from the National University of Singapore in 2024.

· Pauline Fan is a writer, literary translator, and curator. She is the creative director of PUSAKA and an adjunct professor at Universiti Putra Malaysia. Former director of the George Town Literary Festival (2019-2023), she is now curating a new literary event in Kuala Lumpur. Her translations include works by Kulleh Grasi and German poets Rainer Maria Rilke and Paul Celan.

· Ratih Kumala is a professional writer from Indonesia. She has been actively writing since 2003 and has written eight works of fiction (novels and short story collections). In addition to writing books, she also writes screenplays for film, television, and other digital media. Her novel Gadis Kretek has been translated into six foreign languages and has been adapted into a series on Netflix. Her latest novel is Saga Dari Samudra, an action novel published in 2024. Ratih Kumala now lives in Jakarta.

· Ronny Agustinus was born in Malang in 1976. Since 2003, he has translated numerous works of Latin American literature into Indonesian. In 2005, he established Marjin Kiri publisher – and now, works as the editor-in-chief.

· Sabda Armandio is an Indonesian novelist and short story writer, known for Kamu, 24 Jam Bersama Gaspar and Dekat dan Nyaring. He resides in South Jakarta.

· Sartika Dian Nur Aini, born in Jakarta 25 February 1990, is a dynamic professional with a diverse background and a passion for literature. Her career path has been marked by versatility, beginning with her tenure at the National Book Committee. Here, she laid the foundation for her deep appreciation of the literary world and build International networks. Sartika also took on the role of International Rights Manager at Borobudur Agency IKAPI for almost 6 years, demonstrating her commitment to promoting Indonesian literature globally. Currently, Sartika serves as the Foreign Rights Manager at Elite Creative Co, Ltd in Thailand, a role that allows her to excel in representing and successfully negotiating the sale of literary rights to various countries.

· Sebastian Partogi is a journalist and communications consultant who has worked for The Jakarta Post and Epicure Asia. He also served as Media Officer for the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival. Sebastian is an avid reader and passionate about literature.

· Sigrid Marianne Gayangos, from Zamboanga City, Philippines, authored Laut: Stories and the forthcoming bilingual children’s book Lola Maria’s Candles. She is self-translating her second collection into English and teaches at the University of the Philippines Mindanao.

· Teddy W Kusuma manages POST – an independent bookshop and publishing house in Pasar Santa, South Jakarta. He writes and edits fiction. His novel, Semasa, co-authored with Maesy Ang was published in 2018. He is also an editor at POST Press, and with Maesy Ang is theeditor for The Book of Jakarta, a collection of short stories published by Comma Press, a publisher based in Manchester, UK.”

· Wan Nor Azriq is an award-winning novelist from Kedah, Malaysia. He has published seven novels, a short story and essay collection, and translated Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse into Malay.

· Wedha Stratesti joined Kompas Gramedia Publisher about 15 years ago starting as a junior editor in Bhuana Ilmu Populer publishing house, one of the leading children’s publishing houses in the Kompas Gramedia Group. Currently, she is the international project manager at Gramedia International. Her responsibility mainly is to manage the relationships of publishers in the Gramedia group with overseas publishers for business purposes. Gramedia International also acts as an agent for seven publishers in the group. Currently, she serves the Indonesian Publishers Association as the Vice President for International Cooperation and Relations.

· William Phuan is the Executive Director of the Singapore Book Council, dedicated to promoting Singapore literature and writers. He has extensive experience in journalism, arts policy, and film curation. William has also lectured on arts management and film.

· Ziggy Zezsyazeoviennazabrizkie has been publishing her works since 2009 and has received numerous awards and nominations, including from Dewan Kesenian Jakarta, Badan Bahasa, Rolling Stone Indonesia, Tempo Magazine, and English PEN. Her notable works include Di Tanah Lada (2015), Semua Ikan di Langit (2017), Kita Pergi Hari Ini (2021), and Tiga dalam Kayu (2022). Based in Bandar Lampung, Ziggy dedicates her time to writing.