Gramedia, in collaboration with the Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf), National Library of Indonesia and National Book Committee, held an inspirational and innovative program, the 2018 Gramedia Writers and Readers Forum (GWRF) on Saturday and Sunday, 7 to 8 April, at the National Library of Indonesia building, Medan Merdeka Selatan, Jakarta.

With the theme of “Explore Ideas, Inspire People”, GWRF 2018 is aimed at motivating readers and writers, whether novice or professional, to keep working and improving their ability to write. The meet, discuss and share event among writers and readers presented 25 writers as speakers, among whom were Tere Liye, Eka Kurniawan, Sapardi Djoko Damono, Leila S. Chudori, Joko Pinurbo, Maman Suherman, Dhony Dirgantoro and Bernard Batubara. There was also an editor’s clinic session, which provided an opportunity to learn or consult directly with editors. Gramedia Exhibitions was also held, featuring books with special prices.

                The opening of GWRF 2018 was attended by Priyo Utomo, GoRP’s CEO, Wandi S. Brata, GoRP’s director of publishing and education, Rusdi Amral, KG’s director of corporate communications, Drs. Muh. Syarif Bando, M.M., head of the National Library and Bekraf’s domestic inter-institutional relations director, Hassan Abud.

                A series of discussion panels with various themes surrounding the world of books and reading filled the days of GWRF 2018, such as Indonesian literature in the international world, driving literacy through social media, the secret behind creation, Indonesian comics are fun, IP development, tax calculation for writers, writing for millennial readers, loving poetry and other interesting themes.

                GWRF 2018 was closed with a dialogue featuring two Indonesian literary figures, Sapardi Djoko Damono and Joko Pinurbo. Closing the event, GWRF 2018 presented poetic songs with musician Oppie Andaresta who performed Joko Pinurbo’s poem, and Umar Muslim along with Tatyana Soebianto with several poems by Sapardi Djoko Damono.

                Gramedia expects that GWRF will be held again next year and that the event will become a new destination for the Indonesian people to enjoy the world of literature in an enjoyable way. (Intan Tri Damayanti & Alchia Amanda Putri/PR GoRP)