From UNS to National Fame: Ratih Kumala’s Literary Journey

UNS – Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta proudly celebrates the achievements of one of its distinguished alumni. Ratih Kumala is a graduate of the English Department at the Faculty of Cultural Studies (FIB) UNS, class of 1999. She has gained national recognition in the world of Indonesian literature. More than a prolific author, she is an inspiring figure who proves that passion and perseverance lead to lasting success.

Discipline and Consistency: Keys to Literary Success

Renowned Indonesian author Ratih Kumala wrote the acclaimed novels Tabula Rasa and Gadis Kretek. She recently shared her journey in an interview with uns.ac.id on Monday (21/4/2025). She discussed her literary projects and the process that fuels her creativity.

“I’m working on several projects. Two film scripts are in progress, along with a novel that—God willing—will be published this year. I’m also writing a nonfiction book on writing, which I hope to complete next year,” she shared enthusiastically.

Despite juggling multiple genres, Ratih finds it easy to shift between projects. “Maybe it’s because I’ve been writing for a long time. My brain has adapted to switching quickly,” she explained.

She emphasized that running out of ideas is never the issue. “Inspiration can come from anywhere. What concerns me is whether I have the time to write them all. That’s why writers must become curators—choosing which ideas are worth the time, money, and effort,” she said.

For aspiring writers, Ratih believes the foundation of success lies in discipline and consistency. “It may sound cliché, but these two things are essential. Writing in Indonesia is not always financially sustainable. Many writers take on additional jobs, and that’s okay. What matters most is staying consistent,” she stated.

A Strong Beginning in the World of Literature

Ratih’s passion for writing began during her university years. She joined the Rumah Baca Bumi Manusia, a literary community established by UNS students. This experience played a crucial role in shaping her love for literature.

“I started writing as a hobby. Thanks to my friends’ encouragement, I began taking it seriously. I wrote short stories, moved to novels, and entered competitions. Winning the Jakarta Arts Council Novel Competition in 2003 with Tabula Rasa was a turning point,” she recalled.

The award brought recognition to her. It helped her gain attention from Indonesia’s literary legends, including Sapardi Djoko Damono and Budi Darma. Both served as judges in the competition.

“I joined the competition hoping experienced writers would read my work. Mr. Sapardi, Mr. Budi Darma, and Mr. Maman S. Mahayana were the judges. They selected my novel as a winner. I felt thrilled. Interestingly, most winners that year were women. Mr. Sapardi even said that the future of Indonesian literature belongs to women,” she added.

That statement motivated Ratih to continue. She faced the sastrawangi label—a term used by some male writers to stereotype female authors.

Advocating for Women and Literature

Coinciding with Kartini Day, Ratih shared a message of encouragement for today’s women. “Women can now pursue their dreams freely. They can speak up and express themselves. Compared to the past, today offers more opportunities—so use them,” she urged.

Currently, Ratih also serves on the Literary Promotion Board at the Ministry of Culture. In this role, she promotes Indonesian literature on a global scale. “We are preparing for the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. It’s one of our steps to introduce Indonesian literature to the world,” she explained.

Ratih highlighted that promoting literature involves more than just publishing books. “It includes translating works and connecting local writers with international readers. Literature reflects our culture. It’s a gateway to show who we are,” she emphasized.

A Proud UNS Alumna

Looking back on her journey, Ratih expressed gratitude for her time at UNS. “At first, I didn’t choose UNS because of literature—I simply loved English. Since I lived in Solo, UNS was the best option,” she said.

She wasn’t initially drawn to literature. However, her time at UNS and the support from her literary community shaped her into the writer she is today. “To fellow UNS alumni—whatever profession you pursue, carry the UNS name proudly. Let’s continue making our alma mater proud,” she concluded.

Ratih Kumala’s story proves that with passion, discipline, and resilience, success is possible. She remains a shining example for young Indonesian writers and a proud ambassador for UNS on the national stage.

HUMAS UNS