Penguin Random House Southeast Asia is proud to announce the publication of Stories from the Islands, its first bilingual short story anthology, that brings together ten emerging Indonesian writers selected as part of the prestigious Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF) 2025.
Curated through UWRF’s Emerging Writers Program, the anthology features new literary voices from across Indonesia’s 17,000 islands, offering a unique window into the country’s richly layered cultures, languages, and communities. These ten writers reflect the vibrancy and multiplicity of Indonesia today, weaving stories that explore everything from local tradition and folklore to social change, identity, and contemporary life.
Published simultaneously in both English and Bahasa Indonesia, Stories from the Islands is a powerful testament to the creative energy of a new generation and a vital step toward making regional literature accessible to readers both within and beyond Indonesia. Whether you are a literature lover, traveller, or simply curious about the cultural heartbeats of Southeast Asia, this collection promises an unforgettable journey through the archipelago, told by those who live it.
Commenting on UWRF’s journey with the book and this partnership with Penguin, Janet DeNeefe, Festival Founder and Director, says, “As an Indonesian non-profit organization, we work hard to create new pathways to support young and brave voices from around the archipelago. With our Emerging Writers Program, we are proud to once again present ten remarkable writing talents to the literary world, and we are delighted to be partnering with Penguin SEA this year to expand the impact for each of the selected finalists, offering a life-changing opportunity to learn and connect with established industry professionals at the annual Festival this October.”
Nora Nazerene Abu Bakar, Vice President and Publisher, Penguin SEA, says, “We at Penguin SEA believe the most powerful literature often begins locally, and stories like these deserve to travel far. Each of these voices carries the weight of place, memory, and imagination, offering readers a glimpse into the lived realities of Indonesia’s many islands. The future of literature lies in elevating stories that are rooted in local truth but speak to universal themes. Stories from the Islands is a celebration of regional identity, and we are honoured to play a part in bringing these emerging talents to the global stage.”
