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Ayat-Ayat Api is a powerful 2017 poetry collection by legendary Indonesian poet Sapardi Djoko Damono. Through three poignant chapters (Ayat-Ayat Nol, Ayat-Ayat Arloji, and Ayat-Ayat Api), the book serves as a social commentary and artistic protest against Indonesia’s darkest historical moments, including the tragic May 1998 riots.
Description
Publisher Gramedia Pustaka Utama
Publication Date Jun 19, 2025
ISBN 9786020682358
Pages 92
Language Indonesian
Length 21.0 cm
Width 14.0 cm
Weight 0.40 kg
Ayat-Ayat Api (Verses of Fire) is a poetry collection by Sapardi Djoko Damono that reflects his social commentary on events that occurred in Indonesia during his lifetime, such as the May 1998 Riots and Arson Tragedy in Jakarta, among others. Published by Gramedia Pustaka Utama in 2017, the poems in this book are highly recommended for poetry enthusiasts as well as fans of Sapardi Djoko Damono’s work.
The word “Ayat” (Verses) in the title refers to sentences, through which the author hoped that the verses he penned would leave behind signs of life. The book is divided into three chapters:
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Chapter I: Ayat-Ayat Nol (Verses of Zero)
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Chapter II: Ayat-Ayat Arloji (Verses of the Watch)
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Chapter III: Ayat-Ayat Api (Verses of Fire)
Ayat-Ayat Nol speaks of human existence starting from zero, specifically from birth. Meanwhile, Ayat-Ayat Arloji discusses forgotten time, which nonetheless holds a powerful influence over one’s life. On the other hand, Ayat-Ayat Api—which is also the title of one of the poems—depicts one of Indonesia’s darkest moments during the May 1998 tragedy.
This collection of poetry and literature penned by Sapardi serves as his form of protest against the horrific conditions of his country. The poems in Ayat-Ayat Api portray the emotions felt by the author toward the victims of the tragic events that befell Indonesia in the past.
