Indonesian writers do not only have influence in the fields of language and literature as well. In fact, many of them also helped change the condition of the Indonesian nation. Who are they?
Check out some profiles of Indonesian writers based on their era or generation below
Indonesian Writers Era Balai Pustaka
During the Balai Pustaka era, Indonesian writers produced more works in the romance genre. The Balai Pustaka period started from 1920 to 1930.
At that time, there were still restrictions on works by the Dutch Government. This made the world of literature dominated by Sumatrans at that time. This also makes the hallmark of Balai Pustaka’s literary work.
His literary works are known to be thick with the High Malay language. The following is a profile of one of the Indonesian writers in the Balai Pustaka era:
Amir Hamzah
He was born in a Malay aristocratic family, namely the Sultanate of Langkat. The beginning of Amir Hamzah writing a poem was when he was still a teenager. Although his works are dateless, he is thought to have started his writings when he traveled to Java.
His writings illustrate several things. Such as the influence of the original Malay culture, Islam, Eastern Literature and Christianity. Amir Hamzah’s total works are about 50 poems, 18 prose and other works.
He also translated a work. In 1932, he founded the literary magazine Pujangga Baru. Amir started broadcasting his poetry while living in the city of Solo. In a magazine entitled Timboel managed by Sanusi Pane, Amir publishes his poetry.
The poems he published were titled ” M4buk ” and ” Silent “. The poem marked his debut as an Indonesian writer. Since then, Amir has written many literary works. The following is an example of one of Amir Hamza’s poems:
In the Dark
Back again lively
lick soaring purgatory
in my heart grew evil
open hell in the field of heaven
The flames waved in a straight arc
roaring merrily tongue-in-cheek
scorched black dust
the fruit of suwarga flower power
Paradise’s heart is immediately at peace
Apostasy snapped into the sea of a typhoon
Ride the fog concocting clouds
blocking major node weather
Walk me in the dark
keep going straight and stop
heart melted in hell
daughter’s dry charred throat.
Ask me my dear beloved;
rain down your mercy dew
let the fire go out
I hope it recovers my faith.
Indonesian Writers in the New Poet Era
The era of Indonesian literature then changed its name to the era of the New Pujangga. The term Pujangga Baru originates from a literary and cultural magazine. The magazine is called “ Poedjangga Baroe ”.
The magazine was published on July 29, 1933. In general, Indonesian writers of the New Pujangga era wanted to work without wanting interference from the Dutch colonialists.
One of the literary works of the new Pujangga Force which is still very phenomenal today is the Terkembang Screen . The work was made by Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana. The following is a profile of one of the Indonesian writers from the New Pujangga era:
Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana
STA’s career journey is very long and varied. Especially in the fields of language, literature and art. In 1930, STA held the position of editor at Balai Pustaka and Panji Pustaka. Then he also founded and chaired the Poedjangga Baroes magazine from 1933 to 1942, and from 1948 to 1953.
From 1942 to 1945, STA worked as an expert writer. In addition, STA is also a member of the Indonesian Language Commission in Jakarta. Then from 1945 to 1950, STA served as Chairman of the Indonesian Language Commission.
In addition, from 1946 to 1948, STA was a lecturer at the University of Indonesia. Then on October 15, 1949, STA established a university. The university was named National University.
At that time STA immediately assumed the position of rector at the University. Not only that, STA has been active in the world of politics. He has been a member of the legislature several times.
STA was a member of parliament from 1945 to 1949. Was a member of the constituent assembly from 1950 to 1960. Then became a member of the Indonesian National Committee.
There are many works produced by STA. However, his most well-known works are the novel Layar Terkembang and the novel Dian yang Unfinished . Both novels were published by Balai Pustaka. Apart from these two works, several other works by Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana are as follows:
- Unbroken Novel Bullied Malang (1929)
- Collection of Mega Spread Poems (1935)
- The New Grammar of the Indonesian Language (1936)
- Novel A Virgin’s Child in a Robber’s Nest (1940)
- Advisor to Philosophy (1946)
- From the Struggle and Growth of the Indonesian Language (1957)
- Collection of Essays on Struggle and Responsibility in Literature (1977)
- ETC
Indonesian Literature Class of 45
The next period is the period of Indonesian writers Batch 45. The types of literary works in this period are seasoned with realistic elements. Where the context of the writing itself is more important.
While the language rules are not too. During this period, many names of Indonesian writers were born. In fact, these names are still well known to this day. The following is a profile of one of the Indonesian writers Batch 45:
Chairil Anwar
Chairil Anwar also still has family ties with Soetan Sjahrir, who was Indonesia’s first Prime Minister.
In 1942, when he was 20 years old, Chairil Anwar’s name became known to many people. Especially in the world of literature. This happened after the publication of his poem entitled Nisan.
Chairil Anwar is an Indonesian writer known for his various poems. Almost all of Chairil’s poems have the theme of death. When he first sent his poetry to Pandji Pustaka magazine to be printed, many of his works were rejected.
This is because Chairil’s works are considered too individualistic. Not in accordance with the spirit of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Area. Many of the works made by Chairil. One of them is a poem entitled Me.
I
If it’s my time
‘I don’t want anyone to seduce
Neither do you
No need to sob the sedan
I’m a bitch
From the group wasted
Let the bullets penetrate my skin
I’m still inflamed crashing
It hurts and I can take it running
Run
Until the pain of the fairy is gone
And I would be even more indifferent
I want to live another thousand years
Indonesian Writers Class of the 50’s
The next era of Indonesian writers was the 50’s Generation. The 1950s was a period of transitional literature. The transition in question is the transition from the situation and condition of the role, to a peace.
Generally, the literary works of Generation 50 are dominated by collections of poetry and short stories. The Indonesian writers who succeeded in creating their best works in the 1950s were young writers.
The following is a profile of one of the Indonesian writers Batch 50:
Taufik Ismail
His career as a poet began with his activities in writing demonstrator poetry. These poems were collected in Tirani and Bentang in 1966. He is known as a participant poet in the demonstrations that took place in 1966.
In 1970, a collection of Lonely Poems was published. Then it was rearranged in 1972, with the Museum Perjuangan Guest Book.
Taufiq wrote children’s poetry, then produced a collection of poetry books. The book, entitled Meet Me Animals, was published in 1973. There are still many works by Taufiq Ismail which are very influential in the world of literature and in Indonesia.
Not only his works are many. He also received many awards, among which are the following:
- Art Award from the Government of the Republic of Indonesia (1970)
- Cultural Visit Award from the Australian Government (1977)
- South East Asia (SEA) Write Award from the Kingdom of Thailand (1994)
- Literary Writing from the Language Center (1994)
- Archipelago Writers from Johor State, Malaysia (1999)
- Doctor Honoris Causa from Yogyakarta State University (2003)
Indonesian Writers Class of the 70s
The next literary period is the 70’s Generation. In this batch, Indonesian writers are more daring to do an experiment. This Batch of 70 was born from a traditional starting point.
In this period, publishing slowly revived. Then print the works of Indonesian writers. Several writers from the 70s were still dominated by writers from the 50s.
The following is a profile of one of the Indonesian writers from the 70s:
Putu Wijaya
Through his name, it is known that iq is of noble descent. His father was I Gusti Ngurah Rakam
In his career, he is known as a playwright. It was from his hands that several drama scripts were born. The drama scripts he wrote were modern dramas with a stream of consciousness.
The drama scripts he wrote are not the same as conventional drama scripts. Besides that, Putu Wijaya also wrote several novels. Again, the novel he wrote has a new flow.
The novels he wrote also have “absurd” and “stream of consciousness” patterns.
Not only that, he also wrote a short story. Whether from books or those that have been published in newspapers or magazines. Just like his other works, the short stories written by Putu Wijaya present a new stream of consciousness.
The following is one of Putu Wijaya’s poems entitled Giant:
Giant
In my dream there is a giant
His fangs are as big as a coconut tree
His head was as hard as steel
From his mouth sprayed evil words
Hi little boy, you don’t have to be diligent
Throw away the book let’s play in the streets
Don’t listen to parents
Join the party orgy
But I’m not a child
My body is small but my heart is big
Mother has trained me to be strong
And my papa wasn’t happy that I was stupid
My teacher at school always said
Watch out for the bad guys
The mouth is sweet but the consequences are heavy
The giant was angry and scowled
Because I don’t want to bend my knees
From his mouth came hot fire
His hand was about to strangle ferociously
O brave child, he said angrily
If you are naughty watch out kumamah
Lau’s gaping fangs flashed
Then jump to brush
I’m calm but alert
Not even screaming afraid
While praying I act
Take out my report card at once
Numbers eight, nine, and ten
Jump around the giant
In the twinkling of an eye he attacked
God, screamed the giant in fear
don’t tie me down with numbers
I promise I won’t be naughty anymore
Disturbing a studious child
In my sleep a giant appeared
But he’s tired
Now faithfully guard my sleep
While learning to read
Indonesian Writers in the Reformation Era
During the reform era, it was not only decorated with stories of politics and government. Literary works were also scattered at that time. The emergence of Indonesian writers from the reform era was marked by the rise of literary works with socio-political themes.
In addition, there are many literary works that discuss reform. Indonesian writers in the reformation era reflected on social justice and the political system that occurred. Especially in the late 1990’s.
Writers at that time wrote monumental works. The following is a profile of Indonesian writers in the reform era:
Wiji Thukul
The name “Thukul” means to grow. The name was pinned by Cempe Lawu Warta. Cempe Lawu Wartha is one of Wiji Thukul’s relatives. They met when he was actively involved in theater at Sarang Teater Jagat.
Jagat himself is the Middle Butcher. So, Wiji Thukul means a seed that grows.
Wiji Thukul is one of the writers who was very influential during the reform period. There is a long story behind his works. Like the story of how he and his relatives formed an association to fight against the government at that time, the story of him having to keep moving places and changing identities, until the story of his disappearance until now.
Even though the New Order situation was tense, this did not make Wiji Thukul afraid. Precisely he is against using a masterpiece. Like a dialogue that is always spoken by wandering There is only one word “Fight”.
Although until now he has not been found, but his works are still attached to our hearts. All the struggles he made through works will never be forgotten. The following is a very famous poem by Wiji Thukul:
Warning
If the people leave
When the master of speech
We must be careful
Maybe they are desperate
If people hide
And whisper
When talking about his own problems
Rulers must be alert and learn to listen
When people dare to complain
That means it’s bad
And when the talk of the authorities
Can’t be denied
The truth must be threatened
If the proposal is rejected without being considered
Voices of criticism are silenced without reason
Accused of being subversive and disturbing security
Then there is only one word: fight!
Literary Class of 2000
After the reform era, Indonesian writers of the 2000 generation were born. Entering the 2000 generation, they had a literary style that increasingly relied on the power of literacy. Apart from that, this generation also expresses the story aesthetically in the literary work.
There are many names of Indonesian writers who were born and then grew up in the 2000s. The following is a profile of an Indonesian writer from the 2000s:
Ayu Utami
The beginning of his debut in the world of literary works was due to his novel entitled Saman. The novel entitled Sama is the winning novel in a romance writing contest held by the Jakarta Arts Council in 1998.
The presence of Ayu Utami and her novel entitled Saman invites so much controversy. However, despite all that, this novel still gets a lot of praise.
In addition, the novel is also classified as a best-selling novel or best seller. Within three years, Saman’s novels have sold 55 thousand copies.
Thanks to the same novel, Ayu Utami managed to get Prince Claus 2000 from the Prince Claus Fund. It is a foundation whose headquarters are in The Hague, whose mission is to promote and support activities in the fields of development and culture.
Since the emergence of the novel Saman, Ayu Utami has been known as a writer with new openness characteristics. He is not afraid to bring up matters of sexuality in his work.
Some of Ayu Utami’s works are as follows:
- Larung (2002)
- Collection of Single Parasite Essays (Gagas Media, Jakarta, 2003)
- Fu Numbers (2008)
- Lalita (sinaumedia Pustaka Utama, 2012)
Author: Wida Kurniasih
Source: from various sources