Indonesia boosts literary talent through national program

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Culture Ministry said the government is supporting the development of Indonesia's literary ecosystem through the National Talent Management (MTN) program.

"Literature cannot thrive solely through the presence of talented writers. A literary culture will flourish when its entire ecosystem runs well from upstream to downstream," Culture Minister Fadli Zon said while opening the Sasana Sastra event here on Thursday.

He explained that a healthy literary ecosystem spans the entire value chain, beginning with the creation or production of literary works and extending to publishing, distribution, translation, promotion, as well as appreciation platforms and literary festivals.

He said that, as a ministry established two years ago, the Culture Ministry aims to strengthen, connect, and expand the impact of existing initiatives through supportive policies.

The ministry has partnered with at least 18 literary festivals across Indonesia through a national festival consortium while promoting greater public appreciation of literature in various regions, he added.

"Approximately 3,225 selected literary works have been distributed through 35 literary community hubs across Indonesia. In 2025, we also supported the development of 7,500 literary talents through the National Talent Management program in the field of literature," he said.

The ministry is also seeking to raise the international profile of Indonesian literature by nurturing young translators and literary promoters, who play a vital role in expanding the reach of literary works.

As literature is one of the 10 objects of cultural advancement, the ministry hopes Indonesian literary works will gain wider international recognition, be translated into more foreign languages, and become increasingly accessible to global audiences.

Moreover, with Indonesia's rich cultural heritage—including 1,340 ethnic groups and 718 local languages spread across more than 17,000 islands—the country's literary tradition is expected to continue growing sustainably.

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Translator: Sinta, Kenzu

Editor: M Razi Rahman

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