Emerging Writer Patron Program

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

Each year, we put out a call across the archipelago for emerging writers to send us their stories. After receiving hundreds of submissions, an independent curatorial board selects aspiring novelists, poets, and playwrights from Indonesia's bustling cities and remote islands. Once selected, the emerging writers are invited to launch the Anthology at the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival.

This bilingual publication, the Anthology, represents a significant opportunity for emerging writers to have their work translated into English, opening doors to international opportunities for the first time. With over 1,212 submissions in 2019, the Emerging Writers Anthology Series has become one of Indonesia's most wide-reaching literary achievements, representing work from across the archipelago.

2024 Emerging Writer Finalist

2024 Emerging Writers Anthology Launch

Emerging Writers Anthology 2016

2024 Emerging Writer Finalist

Their stories show that Indonesia is rich in perspective and storytelling courage. Through this program, we aim to bring their work to the global stage and build a more inclusive and vibrant literary community.

Janet DeNeefe, Festival Founder & Director

The 2025 Program

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.

MEET THE SELECTED TALENTS:

Alief El-Ichwan

Annisa Ivana

Charlotte Diana

Kukuh Yudha Karnanta

Ridwan Malik

Rie Arshaka

Robbyan Abel Ramdhon

Rosul Jaya Raya

Udiarti

Wawan Kurniawan

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT

All ten writers display exceptional talent and storytelling power. We invite you to support these emerging literary talents and help shape incredible careers as published authors while sustaining our community-building philosophy program. With your support, support funding for the publication of the 2025 Anthology, as well as airfares, accommodation, and honorarium.

More importantly, your meaningful gift will create a life-changing opportunity for a young person to learn, connect, and be inspired at our 2025 Festival, and help these fresh voices pave the way for future collaborations and exciting career opportunities through the universal language of literature.

To recognize your generosity, you will have the exclusive chance to meet these exceptional writing talents and the patron family during the 2025 Festival, from 29 October to 2 November. Also, your name will be featured in the bilingual Anthology and announced during its Launch event, as well as displayed in the 2025 Program Book. As a Patron, you will also receive a 25% discount on your 4-Day Festival Pass and get an exclusive invitation to our legendary Festival Opening Night Gala.

Join Jonathan Rachman in championing our Emerging Writers

I do believe in the program, and I want these writers and their work to be put out there. I know this is what the festival is doing.

Jonathan Rachman, Interior Designer, Entrepreneur, and Writer

JOIN TODAY!

Support us with a gift of IDR 10,000,000, AUD 1,000, or USD 650 to become an honored Emerging Writers Patron.

Confirm the amount and choose your currency below:

A$1,000

A$0

AUD

Indonesian RupiahIDR

American US DollarUSD

Australian DollarAUD

First Name*

Family Name*

Your Email*

Would you prefer making a donation through a regular bank transfer? Download the following info kit with all the bank details you need to make a secure payment in AUD, IDR, or USD.