5 Legendary and Greatest Indonesian Writers of All Time

VIVA – Indonesia is famous for its amazing literature works. This masterpiece is owned by a legendary and greatest Indonesian writer and they managed to make their name in world history.

Through writing, these legendary writers have contributed a lot to the long journey of literature in Indonesia.

The legendary writer presents a good storyline and still uses the Indonesian cultural background. So memorable, meaningful, with a strong historical touch. In fact, these literature works have not faded and are still widely sought after today.

Here are the figures of a legendary writer in Indonesia:

1. Pramoedya Ananta Toer

Pramoedya Ananta Toer is known as a controversial writer, he was imprisoned during the colonial period, during the Old Order, to the New Order.

His most famous work is the Buru Island Tetralogy that he wrote while imprisoned such as "Bumi Manusia", "Anak Semua Bangsa", "Jejak Langkah", and "Rumah Kaca".

By the end of his life, Pram had written more than 50 masterpieces, and has translated into 42 foreign languages.

During the New Order, Pram's works were considered pro-communist ideology. But he stated that he did not side with any ideology, but only defended the truth that must be written down.

For the sake of his belief, Pram had to go through a lot of terror. His works were banned from circulation, and he was arrested in Nusakambangan until he was deported to Buru Island.

Until now, Pram is the only Indonesian writer who has been nominated for the Nobel Prize for the literary category.

2. Buya Hamka

Prof. DR. H. Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah or known as Buya Hamka is a legendary Indonesian writer.

During Buya Hamka's life, he worked as a journalist, writer, and teacher. Especially, in the fields of philosophy, literature, history, sociology, politics, Islam, and the West.

Two of the best-selling novels by Buya Hamka are “Di Bawah Lindungan Ka’bah” and “Tenggelamnya Kapal Van Der Wijck” that have been filmed and also tell the story of a girl caught in a forced marriage.

3. Taufiq Ismail

Taufiq Ismail is a poet and writer who was born in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra. Many of his poems are sung by the music group Bimbo. His works have been translated into several languages ??including English and Russian.

He has received an Art Award from the government (1970), a Cultural Visit Award from the Australian Government (1977), and a South East Asia Write Award from the Kingdom of Thailand (1994).

4. NH. Dini

Nurhayati Sri Hardini or more familiarly known as Nh. Dini is one of the legendary Indonesian writers who still exists to work until old age.

Her various literary works are written in a simple tone, somewhat conventional, and reveal the other side of the reality of human life, especially women. She has been awarded various awards on the international literary scene.

As for a number of famous works of Nh. Dini include: On A Boat (1972), My Name is Hiroko (1977), Pertemuan Dua Hati (1986), and Heart of Peace (1998).

Her latest and most recent work is entitled “Gunung Ungaran: Lerep di Lerengnya” and Banyumanik di Kakinya” that was published in 2018.

5. Mochtar Lubis

Mochtar Lubis is an Indonesian writer and journalist. His novels include: “Tidak Ada Esok”, “Jalan Tak Ada Ujung”, “Senja di Jakarta”, “Tanah Gersang”, “Harimau! Harimau!” and “Maut dan Cinta” which have been translated into English.

Mochtar Lubis was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award (1950) and the World Association of Newspapers' Golden Pen of Freedom Award (1967).