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JAKARTA – The Dewan Kesenian Jakarta (Jakarta Arts Council) officially launches the Jakarta International Literary Festival 2026. This major cultural event takes place from October 22 to 25 at the Taman Ismail Marzuki complex in Central Jakarta. Furthermore, the organizers chose Living Space as the main theme for this year. This specific theme highlights the true value of literature within our modern society. Consequently, the festival proves that literary works hold deep meaning in our daily routines.
Connecting Words with Human Experience
Dewi Umaya Rahman, the Chair of the Jakarta Arts Council, shares her vision for the event. She reminds everyone that literature does not only stay inside the pages of a book. Instead, literature truly breathes when people read, discuss, and debate the stories together. Moreover, words find real power when they connect directly with human experiences.
Therefore, the theme encourages the public to see the city as more than just physical buildings. Actually, the city serves as a living area where humans grow, work, love, and build their future. As a result, Dewi hopes this festival creates lasting collaborations and brings more people into the literary world.
Expanding the Cultural Ecosystem
The Jakarta Provincial Government strongly supports this international festival through its Culture Agency. Retno Setiawati, the Secretary of the Jakarta Culture Agency, views this event as a smart move to strengthen the local cultural ecosystem. In addition, this effort perfectly prepares the community for Jakarta’s upcoming 500th anniversary celebration in 2027.
Retno praises the festival because it offers many exciting programs for everyone. Specifically, the event features national and international author forums, book discussions, poetry readings, art performances, and a lively book market. Ultimately, these diverse activities successfully blend literature into public spaces and connect people from all generations.
Photo doc. Metro TV
