From apwriters.org:The Lontar Foundation, established in 1987 for the purpose of promoting Indonesia through the translation of Indonesian literature, will, during the course of this year release a minimum of 10 books in its new Modern Library of Indonesia book series.
Lontar’s mission is unlike that of commercial publishers which, for commercial reasons, attempt to obtain rights to (and control of) the hottest new books on the market. In the field of literature what is hot today might be lukewarm or even cold tomorrow. For that reason, in its selection of texts for publication, Lontar tends to focus on the long-term, choosing texts which have proven historical significance. This does not mean that Lontar eschews publishing new or popular works. Not at all; it simply means that for Lontar to achieve its goal of having Indonesian literature taught through the medium of English in schools throughout the world, which the Foundation sees as a major step towards popularizing Indonesian literature abroad, it must concentrate on bringing into translation works that Indonesians themselves consider to have (or are likely to have) a lasting presence in the field of Indonesian literature.
The first ten books in the Modern Library Series include the following:
1. Abdoel Moeis, Never the Twain, Salah Asuhan
2. Armijn Pane, Shackles, Belenggu
3. Dee (Dewi Lestari), Supernova, Supernova
4. Hanna Rambe, Mirah of Banda, Mirah dari Banda
5. Ismail Marahimin, And the War is Over, Dan Perang pun Usai
6. Iwan Simatupang, The Pilgrim, Ziarah
7. Lily Yulianti Farid, Family Room: Collected Short Stories (Collected stories)
8. Mara Rusli, Sitti Nurbaya, Sitti Nurbaya
9. S. Rukiah, The Fall and the Heart, Kejatuhan dan Hati
10.Umar Kayam, Home for the Holidays (Collected stories)
More information here.
