Authors' Forum #5

Voice of the Witnesses

Saturday, 15 November 2025, 13.30–15.00

Asrul Sani Theatre, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta

The history of Indonesia is loaded with records of state violence. Under accusations of separatism, banned organizations, subversive movements that deviate from the rulers’ definition of nationalism, the state has left behind its traces of violence. It is a long record with minimal resolution. Impunity acts like a protective shell while ruling powers continue to look away and stall for time, as records continue to blur and fade away. Too many victims and witnesses have been silenced, too many testimonies have gone nowhere. A broader, open space must be allowed for these witnesses. To them, the opportunity to speak must be restored through various media, including literature.

Ida Fitri (Indonesia)
Katharine McGregor
(Australia)
Yona Primadesi
(Indonesia)

Moderator: Kurie Suditomo (Indonesia)