We are proud to announce the ten talented Indonesian writers selected for the Emerging Writers Program of the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival 2025. Meet the finalists and learn how you can help us champion these voices of today into tomorrow's literary stars!
First launched in 2008, the Festival’s Emerging Writers Program has become a vital platform for the future of Indonesian storytelling by supporting young Indonesian literary talent and introducing them to both regional and international literary stages. Selected talents are invited to join a mentorship program and get their work published in the annual bilingual publication, the Festival’s Anthology, which represents a significant opportunity for emerging writers to have their work translated into English—opening doors to international opportunities for the first time.
This year, the program was open to Indonesian writing creatives who were keen to share work that responds to the complexities of contemporary Indonesia—from local issues and social challenges to history and the realities of the digital age. Between 10 December 2024 and 9 February 2025, 647 writers submitted their work, with entries from across the archipelago, including submissions from over 25 Indonesian provinces.
After detailed reading, conversation, debate, and a curators’ meeting to discuss the qualities of each work, the judges—which include famous Indonesian writer Ratih Kumala—have this year selected ten writers for the 2025 Program. They are, in alphabetical order by surname: