The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF) has officially announced the selection of ten emerging Indonesian writers for its highly anticipated Emerging Writers Programme 2026, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing new literary voices from across the archipelago. The announcement, made by Yayasan Mudra Swari Saraswati in January 2026, highlights a diverse group of writers whose works reflect contemporary Indonesian realities, from environmental challenges to social relations and digital culture.
Selected through a rigorous two-stage curatorial process, the ten writers represent a wide geographical spread, from Aceh to Papua. Their short stories were chosen from a total of 634 submissions, underscoring the continued relevance and prestige of the programme as a national platform for literary discovery. According to the curatorial team—A. Nabil Wibisana, Cyntha Hariadi, and Siska Yuanita—the selected works demonstrate strong narrative voices shaped by personal experiences, cultural contexts, and social tensions that resonate with Indonesia’s evolving identity.
The final list of selected writers includes Ajen Angelina (Ruteng), Arianto Adipurwanto (Lombok), Carisya Nuramadea (Bogor), Dhias Nauvaly (Yogyakarta), Galuh Ginanti (Denpasar), Hamran Sunu (Palopo), IRZI (Jakarta), Jein Oktaviany (Bandung), Nityasa Wijaya (Gianyar), and R. Abdul Azis (Bandung). These writers will undergo a series of mentoring sessions and workshops leading up to the publication of an annual anthology, which will be launched during the festival in October 2026.
Beyond selecting promising talent, the programme also emphasizes long-term literary development. As UWRF Founder and Director Janet DeNeefe noted, the Emerging Writers initiative represents a sustained investment in Indonesia’s literary future by creating spaces for learning, collaboration, and global exposure. The selected works will be published bilingually, enabling international audiences to engage with Indonesian storytelling traditions and contemporary narratives.
The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival itself has become one of Southeast Asia’s most prominent literary events. Since its founding in 2004, the festival has evolved into an international gathering of writers, readers, thinkers, and artists. Taking place in Bali from 21–25 October 2026, UWRF offers panel discussions, book launches, cultural performances, and workshops that celebrate literature as a powerful tool for dialogue and social reflection. It is widely recognized for connecting Indonesian voices with global literary conversations, making it a key platform for cultural diplomacy and creative exchange.
The 2026 Emerging Writers selection also highlights important trends within Indonesian literature. Many of the submissions explored issues such as land dispossession, environmental degradation, gender dynamics, and the impact of digital life—reflecting the concerns of a generation navigating rapid social transformation. These themes not only enrich the literary landscape but also contribute to broader discussions on sustainability, identity, and social justice in Indonesia.
To further support the programme, Yayasan Mudra Swari Saraswati has reopened its Emerging Writers Patron initiative, inviting public contributions to support translation, travel, and participation for the selected writers. This collaborative approach ensures that emerging voices receive both national recognition and international exposure.
With its strong commitment to mentorship, inclusivity, and cultural exchange, the UWRF Emerging Writers Programme continues to play a vital role in shaping Indonesia’s literary future. By elevating new voices and amplifying diverse perspectives, the programme not only celebrates creativity but also fosters a deeper understanding of the stories that define contemporary Indonesia.
