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Indonesian literature goes digital with Sandiwara Sastra

A new initiative is turning Indonesian literature into audio plays.

Josa Lukman (The Jakarta Post)
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Jakarta
Mon, July 13, 2020

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T

he phrase Indonesian literature might bring to mind memories of school assignments and required reading, but a new literary initiative is poised to appeal to the digital crowd.

Sandiwara Sastra (Literary Play), a joint collaboration between the Education and Culture Ministry, the Titimangsa Foundation and KawanKawan Media, is adapting a variety of Indonesian literature into audio plays, perhaps taking note from the rising popularity of podcasts and audio books.

All-stars: A joint initiative called Sandiwara Sastra (Literary Play) involves a star-studded cast of 27 actors, including Reza Rahadian. (Courtesy of Titimangsa Foundation/-)

According to Education and Culture Ministry director general of culture Hilmar Farid, Sandiwara Sastra was envisioned just last month when producers Happy Salma of the Titimangsa Foundation and Yulia Evina Bhara from KawanKawan Media discussed the idea with him.

“Halfway through their discussion, I immediately said yes [to the pitch]. In my opinion, it’s a really important project as literary works are vital in shaping our identity and telling our story with all of its problems,” he said during a virtual press conference.

 “Twenty years ago, radio plays faced challenges from television and began to fade, but now there’s a new interest in podcasts. And in some regions, radio still plays an important role.”

Deep in her role: Actress Chelsea Islan records her lines for Sandiwara Sastra, in which she voices Lalita from Ayu Utami’s novel of the same title. (Courtesy of Titimangsa Foundation/-)

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