Indonesian literature in translation

In recent years the international profile of Indonesian literature has been given a substantial boost. Indonesian authors and their work was highlighted at major book fairs in Europe and given a special place within the cultural and commercial programs at these events, and also backed by funding from the Ministry for Education and Culture and the Agency for Creative Economy (Bekraf). It was hoped that an international boon for Indonesian literature would follow. Indeed, in the past decade the names of Indonesian writers such as Ayu Utami and Eka Kurniawan have joined those of Pramoedya Ananta Toer and Rendra as being recognised and read by readers all over the world.

Undeniably, the publication of work in English translation is imperative in order to achieve such a global readership. In early March, Tiffany Tsao’s translation of Budi Darma’s 'People from Bloomington' (Orang-Orang Bloomington) won the prestigious PEN Translation Prize, potentially marking another significant moment for Indonesian literature internationally.

What does the future look like for Indonesian literature in translation? Who and what is being translated and published? And what expectations do publishers and readers have about the stories they will encounter?

In this week’s episode of Talking Indonesia, Dr Jemma Purdey chats to Tiffany Tsao, author and translator of fiction and poetry, including the winner of the 2023 PEN Translation Prize, 'People from Bloomington'.

In 2023, the Talking Indonesia podcast is co-hosted by Dr Jemma Purdey from the Australia-Indonesia Centre, Dr Jacqui Baker from Murdoch University, and Tito Ambyo from RMIT.

Photo: cover image, 'People from Bloomington', Penguin Classics, 2022