TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

LOG IN

Don’t have an account? Register here Give your organization full access to The Jakarta Post. Register here

The knack: Jesse Q. Sutanto has a knack for writing stories brimming with humor, but her greatest strength is her versatility. (Courtesy of Donny Wu)

Books

Jesse Q. Sutanto returns with cozy murder mystery

Slowly but surely building a reputation as one of the most prolific and versatile writers in the industry, Jesse Q. Sutanto’s new book Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers will be released on March 14.

2 years ago

Books

'Mountains More Ancient' sheds light on Indonesian slavery in South Africa

Author Isna Marifa discusses her time with the Cape Malay people and how it influenced her novel Mountains More Ancient. ...

2 years ago

Books

Understanding the impact of Pramoedya’s 'Buru Quartet'

Leading Australian expert on Indonesia Max Lane recounts late Indonesian literary giant Pramoedya Ananta Toer’s role in inspiring the downfall of former president Soeharto’s New Order regime through his Buru Quartet tetralogy ...

2 years ago

The Latest

ASEAN Literary Festival took place over the weekend at West Jakarta’s famed Kota Tua heritage site.

Books

ASEAN Literary Festival highlights freedom of expression, inclusiveness

It’s time for courageous writers to stand tall and make a difference.

8 years ago

As a Chinese Christian political leader in a country where over 80 percent are Muslim and less than 5 percent are of Chinese descent, Ahok was both an anomaly and a groundbreaker.

Books

Getting to know Ahok through 'Merubah Indonesia'

Ahok’s penchant for inflammatory comments most likely stemmed from his upbringing.

8 years ago

This file photo taken on February 11, 2010, shows former South African president Nelson Mandela (L) as he laughs while sitting beside his wife Graca Machel (R) in the parliament gallery in Cape Town. An ambulance carrying South Africa's first democratically elected president Nelson Mandela caught fire as it was rushing him to hospital, his doctor revealed in a book published on July 17, 2017.

Books

Mandela book withdrawn after outrage from widow

A new book detailing Nelson Mandela's last days has been withdrawn after it was condemned by his outraged widow, publisher Penguin Random House said Monday.

8 years ago

With the “Game of Thrones” hype skyrocketing in the TV series’ penultimate season, fans are wondering when George R.R. Martin will come around to finishing the sixth book in the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series.

Books

George R.R. Martin may publish 2 books in 2018—‘who knows’

The novelist took to his blog to reassure fans, this time announcing that “The Book of Swords,” an anthology of fantasy short stories by award-winning authors, can be pre-ordered on Amazon.

8 years ago

Literary fest: The preserved part of Kota Tua (Old Town) in West Jakarta will host the upcoming ASEAN Literary Festival from Aug. 3 to Aug. 6.

Books

ASEAN Literary Festival taking the road 'beyond imagination'

It is high time to talk about societal changes in this part of the world; discuss issues of religious radicalism, intolerance and blasphemy or, better yet, write about them.

8 years ago

Adults, including parents and teachers, are key to helping children learn about tolerance from a young age.

Books

Adults key to children's interpretation of tolerance

Children may see a lot of things in everyday life, but they do not yet understand much of it, according to a discussion panel that stresses the importance of the role of adults, especially parents and teachers, in teaching children tolerance early on.

8 years ago

Copies of the book 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' will make its official Broadway debut on April 22 at the Lyric Theatre.

Books

2 books about ‘Harry Potter’ world to come out this October

The “Harry Potter” wizarding universe is as vast as they come and could become subject to multiple spin-offs for years to come.

8 years ago

Author of Crazy Rich Asians trilogy, Kevin Kwan.

Books

Tyersall Park drama absolutely not inspired by Oxley Road: Kevin Kwan

Kevin Kwan talks exclusively to The Jakarta Post about the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy, celebrity appearances in the books and how similar the third book’s conflicts are to real-life happenings.

8 years ago

JK Rowling arriving for the World Premiere of 'Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows pt2', Trafalgar Square, London.

Books

J.K. Rowling reveals 'lost' manuscript written on her party dress

In a recent interview, celebrated author J.K. Rowling revealed that she has scribbled a manuscript across a party dress currently hanging in her closet.

8 years ago

Two wonderful architectures: Both the Taj Mahal in India and Borobudur in Indonesia are among the Wonders of the World and are UNESCO heritage sites.

Books

Ties that bind

A photobook chronicles the political and cultural relations between Indonesia and India over the last 70 years.

8 years ago

Artwork: A number of high quality batik works are on display during the launch of Kartini Muljadi’s latest book.

Books

A historical journey through Batik

Kartini Muljadi did something different to celebrate her 87th birthday: The woman once known as an attorney published a book about her batik collection.

8 years ago

Books

Snow Over Surabaya informative, entertaining work on Indonesia’s struggle for freedom

When Nigel Barley’s latest offering, Snow Over Surabaya, hit the Indonesian bookstores sometime last month, my heartbeat quickened just a little.

8 years ago

Looking for another story about magic, centering on another boy who lives in England? Look no further.

Books

Books to read when you miss 'Harry Potter'

Besides, of course, the Harry Potter series itself. Why limit the magic?

8 years ago

This file photo taken on July 15, 2005 shows author J.K Rowling in front of Edinburgh Castle for the worldwide launch of the latest book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The creator of a wizarding empire which has dazzled the world, J. K. Rowling struggled through hardship to become an unrivalled children's author with a global voice. Now 20 years since "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" was first published, inspiring a generation of young readers -- and their parents -- it is hard to imagine Rowling before the seven Harry Potter books.

Books

J. K. Rowling marks 'wonderful' Harry Potter anniversary

Author J. K. Rowling on Monday marked the "wonderful" two decades since her Harry Potter creation first hit the shelves, starting a global literary phenomenon which has inspired a generation.

8 years ago

A book and a cup of coffee. There is no better time to finally catch up with your reading goal than a vacation.

Books

Five books for your vacation reading list

Here are some books to accompany you during your break away, or while at home. It's okay, we don't judge.

8 years ago

Books

Harry Potter turns 20: Business empire with humble start

After years of rejection letters, British author J.K. Rowling finally published the first volume of the Harry Potter saga 20 years ago, on June 26, 1997.

8 years ago

Books

Harry Potter turns 20: Business empire with humble start

After years of rejection letters, British author J.K. Rowling finally published the first volume of the Harry Potter saga 20 years ago, on June 26, 1997.

8 years ago

Books

Sketches of individuals longing for sexual healing

Haruki Murakami’s latest short story collection depicts urbanites who, due to their loneliness, get caught up in the craziness and darkness of their own imaginations.

8 years ago

The reading room at the State Library of Victoria in Melbourne.

Books

The hipster's guide to Melbourne's indie bookshops

But among all this “hipsterity,” what got me most excited about visiting Melbourne was its indie bookshops.

8 years ago

Pop Kosong Berbunyi Nyaring (Hollow Pop Makes a Loud Sound) by Taufiq Rahman

Books

'Pop Kosong' traces music-driven odyssey

Elevation Books’ latest publication Pop Kosong Berbunyi Nyaring (Hollow Pop Makes a Loud Sound) is an incredibly personal work with an identifiable perspective.

8 years ago

Rosalina Poppeck or known as Rose Pandanwangi, the wife of the Indonesia legend painter, Sudjojono, sings Mawar di malam hari in the opening of a sketch painting exhibition of Sudjojono titled Hidup Mengalun Dendang at Bentara Budaya, Jakarta on Tuesday, June 6. 2017.

Books

Djon and Rose, a love story

“I am 70 years old, but for Rose and the children, I am 66."

8 years ago

Books

'Homegoing' a breathtaking exploration of slavery

With simple yet poetic prose, Homegoing is easily accessible to a range of readers regardless of their understandings of American or African history.

8 years ago

“The Ministry of Utmost Happiness” is published June 6.

Books

Arundhati Roy releases second novel after 20 years

The author’s second novel, “The Ministry of Utmost Happiness”, is a political, poetic, satirical and controversial epic, the first output of fiction since her book “The God of Small Things” won the Booker Prize.

8 years ago

Books

Indonesian folktales grab global spotlight at AFCC

Indonesian delegates consisting of authors and performers are vying to promote local children’s content and folklore to neighboring countries as an effort to preserve them for future generations.

8 years ago

Faisal Oddang and Erni Aladjai: One was born with talent. Another had to work his way up.

Books

A tale of two Sulawesi writers: Talent vs hard work

One was born with talent. Another had to work his way up.

8 years ago

With red for Gryffindor, yellow for Hufflepuff, blue for Ravenclaw, and green for Slytherin, each book also includes a house crest on the cover and contains character profiles and house-specific illustrations within the book itself.

Books

Harry Potter's Hogwarts house editions released

In conjunction with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone’s 20th anniversary, British publishing house Bloomsbury is re-releasing the book four different ways: one for each Hogwarts house.

8 years ago

Liu Cixin isn’t interested in using his fiction to comment on today’s reality; his is truly a future-fixed gaze.

Books

Chinese sci-fi novelist first Asian to win prestigious book award

Chinese sci-fi title The Three-Body Problem was first serialized in Science Fiction World magazine in 2006 and then published as a book in 2008. It was eventually translated into English and it became a literary phenomenon, winning the prestigious Hugo Award for Best Novel in 2015.

8 years ago

Flavors of Indonesia: William Wongso’s Culinary Wonders by local food expert and chef William Wongso.

Books

William Wongso’s book wins at 2017 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards

Flavors of Indonesia: William Wongso’s Culinary Wonders, a culinary book by local food expert and chef William Wongso, was named Best Book of the Year at the 2017 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards

8 years ago

Open space: Fort Rotterdam’s field is transformed into a space hosting literary discussions during the 2017 Makassar International Writers Festival (MIWF).

Books

The literary light from the east

While the focus is on eastern Indonesian writers, the festivals invited writers from other parts of Indonesia and around the world of diverse races, ethnicities, religions and languages.

8 years ago

Discovery of Asia: A cartoon depicts the Indian media’s welcome of the Whitlam government.

Books

'Subtle Moments': Thriving on a zigzag life

Bruce Grant’s Subtle Moments is not a stationary list of triumphs and big names, but the restless story of recent times told by an articulate hack still gripped by the journalist’s three-letter palsy: why.

8 years ago

Page: 28