The polemic about writer Pramoedya Ananta Toer has only wasted energy. Now is the time to respect him in a place that is fitting.

The family talked about memories of writer Pramoedya Anata Toer, while fans of Pram's works discussed them at the regent's pavilion in Blora, Central Java. Pram, who throughout his life kept his distance from power was in fact celebrated in such a way by the regency government and the community.

There was a nuance of reconciliation in the event. The atmosphere at the pavilion which seemed awkward actually melted through the event. The night before, the pavilion was also filled with Blora residents who watched a monolog performance by Happy Salma who presented excerpts from the play "Flowers to Close a Century", which was adapted from Pram's novel This Earth of Mankind (Bumi Manusia) (Kompas, 9/2/2025).

For the first time, the government, both the central and regional, celebrated the birthday of the writer Pramoedya Ananta Toer, known familiarly as Pram. This celebration of a century of Pram became more of a recognition of world writers, not just Indonesian writers. Because, up until now a recognition of Pram such as this was almost non-existent. In fact, during the New Order era of former president Suharto his works were burned and banned.

The celebration of a century of Pram in Blora is a good start to place Pram in a place that is fitting, whose works have been translated into more than 40 languages. A good beginning because it allows all parties to view Pram as a world figure and his work a high-quality literature beyond the polemic of ideological problems in the past.

Therefore, it is most appropriate if in these days the celebration lays the basis for the beginning of reconciliation. A celebration that initiated the meeting of various parties to respect Pram and his work. For such a long time the polemic about Pram never ended because of effort to begin this were almost always blocked. In fact, there were those who opposed it and committed anarchistic acts. Discussion about Pram also attracted resistance.

Meanwhile Pram's work continued to receive appreciation in various countries. Pram and his work are also discussions in various circles, both among academics and social movements. Even his enemies, not a few have made peace and appreciate Pram's works. If there are still differences of opinion, then let them continue to exist. However, this does not prevent a discussion and conversation about of Pram's works which are indeed worthy of being discussed in various forums.

Reconciliation is also important for the younger generation to be able to see Pram more clearly without any historical burden or polemic that is not understood by them. The younger generation certainly has a way to see and a fresh view of Pram's work. They don't need to be left hanging with polemics that are exhausting. From here, it is very possible that new writers will emerge.

[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Menempatkan Pram di Tempat yang Layak".]

Source: https://www.kompas.id/artikel/menempatkan-pram-di-tempat-yang-layak