Indonesian literature has long been a reflection of the nation, formed by generations of writers who have chronicled its history, struggles, and dreams. Yet, for many Indonesian students, the literary figures that have been etched in our textbooks and projected on our whiteboards at school have largely been works from male giants of the 20th century: Pramoedya Ananta Toer, Chairil Anwar, and Andrea Hirata. But one thing we, as students, are often not exposed to are the female writers who have carved their own space in the literary world.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day in March, this list highlights three contemporary works—all accessible in English—that showcase the journey of Indonesian women through literature and film. With each work offering unique perspectives of womanhood in Indonesia, these female writers continue to provide us with personal and powerful narratives that redefine the Indonesian literary landscape.
Laksmi Pamuntjak — Amba: The Question of Red (2013):
A respected author, poet, and journalist, Laksmi Pamuntjak is known for her works that blend history and culture. While she has received awards for her short stories, collections of poetry, and articles, Pamuntjak earned her global readership due to her book, Amba, which had been translated into English as The Question of Red.
Set during the 1965 anti-communist purge, Amba: The Question of Red retells the classical Mahabharata epic story—particularly the tale of Amba, Bhishma, and Salwa—through a more contemporary perspective of its titular heroine. Throughout the novel, Amba searches for the truth about Bhishma, her partner, who was exiled to Buru Island as a political prisoner.
Instead of depicting Amba as a mere victim of circumstance, Pamuntjak crafts a heroine who reclaims her own narrative even amidst grief and exile as she navigates through love, loss, and political chaos. Whether read in its original Indonesian text or through its English translation, Amba: The Question of Red remains a key novel in the Indonesian literary landscape.
Helena Natasha – Dreams, Spelled in Poetry (2021):
Helena Natasha is a contemporary Indonesian writer known for her expressive and personal poetry often portraying themes of love, self-growth, and resilience. Initially starting writing as a hobby, Natasha has grown her skills and works throughout the years—most notable is a series of poetry books consisting of three different collections.
One of her collections in English, Dreams, Spelled in Poetry, explores emotions, aspirations, and the journey towards self-acceptance. Through her carefully chosen composition, Natasha captures the quiet yet powerful moments that define a person’s growth, making her poetry relatable to many readers.
She explores the essence of female introspection, empowerment, and the pursuit of one’s dreams despite societal and patriarchal pressures. Natasha’s poetry resonates with many Indonesian women who are navigating their identity in an always-changing world —offering readers a reflection of their own experiences: to dream, heal, and redefine their own narratives.
Kamila Andini — Before, Now, and Then (2022):
As one of the leading voices in Indonesian cinema, Kamila Andini is an acclaimed Indonesian director and screenwriter whose work often explores themes of identity, tradition, and womanhood. Winning multiple awards for screenwriting and directing, Andini has consistently explored the inner lives of women in her works, in films like The Mirror Never Lies (2011) to Yuni (2021).
In one of her most recent and notable pieces, Before, Now & Then (Nana), released in 2022, Andini offers a feminist portrayal and interpretation of Indonesian history, highlighting the women whose sacrifices and struggles have gone unnoticed yet shaped their communities. By revisiting a time of socio-political chaos in 1960s Indonesia, Andini depicts sisterhood through the protagonist’s journey, Nana, who finds out about her husband’s mistress.
Instead of depicting rivalry or hatred, the film explores the unlikely yet empowering sisterhood between the two female characters who bond over a common enemy: her husband. Even though these two characters were from different ends of the socio-economic spectrum, Andini crafts a nuanced story in which strength among women transcends traditional boundaries. This film serves as a powerful reflection on survival, sisterhood, and reclaiming one’s identity in a world that often seeks to define a woman’s place.
As Indonesian women continue to write, create, and reclaim their place in literature and film, they are not merely adding to history—they are reshaping its very essence, crafting a future where their voices are at the forefront.
