What
were your impressions from Frankfurt Book Fair 2014?
It was bigger than I expected. I’ve
heard about FBF as one of the biggest book fairs in the world, but to actually
be there and saw the size of the event was an entirely different experience.
When I saw the Guest of Honor building I immediately imagined how it would be
like if it was the Indonesian flag, Indonesian sign, and Indonesian books
presented there. It was thrilling.
How
did you experience the symbolic handover ceremony, where Indonesia was
officially named Guest of Honour country for next year?
It was touching. We all could see how
emotional it was for Finland, knowing how hard they have prepared and their
volumes of work for being the Guest of Honor in 2014. The stark contrast
between the cool Finland and hot Indonesia was also very interesting. It was
like we were taken to travel to another side of the globe and experience the
colorful world of culture and literature. I was more than proud to be one of
delegates, introducing Indonesia the best way I could, from the talk to the
ikat dress I wore from Ikat Indonesia. I know it was a literature event, but at
that moment it really felt it was way more than that. It’s cultural. Book
became a meeting point where people from all over the world meet and be in
touched with the beauty of diversity.
You
traveled to Berlin afterwards to have a reading at Dussmann. Could you share
with me how the event went? Who were the people in the crowd, did you think
there was much interest in you/ Indonesian literature in general?
First of all, I’m so impressed with Berlin.
I found the city was very charming. And Dussmann has the perfect venue for
writer’s event. That night, we had Berlin locals and Indonesians, including the
ambassador Mr. Fauzi Bowo. The talk was lively with many interesting questions
from the audience. We talked about the literature scene in Indonesia; the
challenges and also the new hope. We also talked about the importance of
Indonesia’s creative economy; its future and potential. We now have a new
government and how the timing coincided with Frankfurt Book Fair 2015
nevertheless brought a new energy to our book industry, I hope we can seize the
moment and use it as a momentum to bring Indonesian literature to a new level
and recognition.
When you came back, you immediately
published your new novel, and I see that it has created quite some buzz; even
though you are a "seasoned" writer, do you still get very excited
when publishing a new book, and seeing the reactions of your readers?
For me, each book is different. Even
though my new book, Gelombang (The
Wave) is a part of Supernova series, I still feel each episode carried a new
spirit and created different dynamic with the readers. So, it always got me
excited. The first Supernova episode came out almost 14 years ago, but with
each episode, the series keep attracting first time readers. So, it’s always
got me excited. Each episode always feels like a first book for me.
How
do you personally prepare for next year's Frankfurt Book Fair? What remains to
be done?
So many things to be done. After I’m
done with my new book promotion, I’ll be
working closely with my publisher to prepare the translations for my books. I’m
pretty sure Indonesia can bring out solid cultural shows and performances for
FBF ’15. I’m still concerned on the massive book translations Indonesia has to
prepare, considering how short the time we have. I think that is our biggest
homework.
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