books @ cc.

by Remy Sylado (2003)

A historical novel, the story of Kembang Jepun tells the story of a Menadonese child sold by her brother to Shinju in Kembang Jepun, Surabaya, to be trained, disguised, into an out-and-out Japanese geisha, and takes place from pre-Japanese colonial to post-independence era. The strength of the novel lies not on its romantic plot, but on its rich historical facts and nuances colouring its meticulously constructed universe.

Menjadi Mahasiswa di Uni Soviet
by Koesalah Soebagyo Toer (2003)

A collection of vignettes about his study in the former USSR, Kampus Kabelnaya is divided into two parts: the first written as a recollection, the second more of diary entry-like short pieces, written during Toer’s study. Most of the pieces in the first part are longer, carefully-thought of (taking age into consideration), while the second has the youthful (if sometimes naive) romanticism.

Kolonialisme, Budaya Cetak, dan Kesastraan Sunda Abad ke-19
by Mikihiro Moriyama (2003)

Originally published in English as A New Spirit: Sundanese Publishing and the Changing Configuration of Writing in Nineteenth Century West Java, the book reseraches the development of Sundanese language and literature. Moriyama emphasises organic, dynamic nature of language and its geography, paying particular attention the Javanese-Sundanese dynamics & “rivalry” and the constraining power of colonial administration in defining the local language & literature.

Aspek Sosial & Simbolik Teater Rakyat Indonesia
by James L. Peacock (1968)

Originally published in English as Rites of Modernization: Symbolic and Social Aspects of Indonesian Proletarian Drama by the University of Chicago in 1968, Ritus Modernisasi studies the (pre-’65 gestapu) historical, social and artistic importance of this “proletarian drama”, ludruk.

since c.1200 (3rd ed.)
by M.C. Ricklefs (2001)

Divided into six parts of major chronological history of Indonesia from the coming of Islam to the removal of Abdurrahman Wahid in 2001, this textbook is designed as a stepping stone for those overwhelmed by the wealth of specialised information (and oftentimes in foreign-language), or those wanting relatively detailed panoramic view of Indonesian history in English without the overemphasis on colonialism and exoticism.

trans. Pramoedya Ananta Toer and Socialist Realism Literature
by Eka Kurniawan (1999)

Initially written a thesis for his philosophy degree in Universitas Gadjah Mada, Eka, evidently deferential to Pramoedya but at the same time also critically sensible, offers a comprehensive basic text on (as the title suggests) Pramoedya Ananta Toer and (his role in) the growth of Socialistic Realism in relation to the global movement as well as local figures/parties. Covering general as well as specific historical facts with lucid clarity, the book assumes little familiarity with Indonesian history and is accessible to general readers.

by Umar Kayam (2005)

A selection of Kayam’s non-academic, non-specialised writings (mostly essays and reportage) from 1969 to 1999, some short, some spanning a few pages, published in one book posthumously. Written in colloquial style with plenty of flippant wisecracks (at the same time caustic criticism), Kayam writes on numerous subjects, from air-conditioned taxis, TIM, art his visit to Russia, pilgrimage to Mecca, film, literature, art, nepotism, and many more.

Traditional Orchestra of Indonesia, 2nd ed.
by Jennifer Lindsay (1992)

A simple introductory text for those with no prior knowledge of gamelan. Outlining some of the basic history, background information on the instruments (with basic tuning and notations), concepts and frameworks, it also explains the structure of gamelan and its interrelationship with other art forms. A glossary, along with a list of suggested readings, recordings, photographs and figures also accompany this helpful text.