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| Illustration. The best-selling novel in Indonesia. |
PEWARTA.CO.ID - There are so many novels created by Indonesian authors. Most of them achieved success with high sales figures.
The success of these novels even inspired directors to make them into films.
Here are a number of best-selling novels in Indonesia, where there are at least 5 novel titles that achieved great success and managed to attract the attention of novel lovers.
1. Laskar Pelangi (The Rainbow Troops) – Andrea Hirata
Andrea Hirata's Laskar Pelangi is a cornerstone of modern Indonesian literature. Published in 2005, the novel sold over five million copies, making it Indonesia’s bestselling novel of all time.
Set in the author’s home island of Belitung, it tells the inspiring story of ten students and their teacher striving for education despite extreme poverty.
The narrative blends humor, resilience, and social commentary, capturing the challenges faced by marginalized communities.The book’s success inspired a movie adaptation, a musical, and global translations, bringing Indonesian literature to a broader audience. Its universal themes of hope and perseverance continue to resonate with readers worldwide.
2. Bumi Manusia (This Earth of Mankind) – Pramoedya Ananta Toer
Pramoedya Ananta Toer is one of Indonesia’s literary giants, and Bumi Manusia, the first novel in his Buru Quartet, is a masterpiece.
Written during his imprisonment under the New Order regime, the novel portrays the struggle for independence and identity in Dutch-colonized Indonesia. Through the life of Minke, a young Javanese student, Pramoedya explores themes of colonialism, social inequality, and nationalism.
Despite being banned in Indonesia for years, Bumi Manusia gained international acclaim and is now regarded as a classic of world literature. Its critical perspective on Indonesia’s colonial past has left a lasting impact on readers.
3. Saman – Ayu Utami
Ayu Utami’s Saman was revolutionary when it was published in 1998, coinciding with the fall of the Suharto regime. The novel broke taboos by addressing sensitive topics such as sexuality, religion, and political oppression.
It follows the intertwined lives of a priest-turned-activist and four women navigating love, faith, and freedom in modern Indonesia. The bold narrative challenged conservative norms and opened doors for a new wave of Indonesian literature.
Saman received critical acclaim and commercial success, earning its place as one of Indonesia’s bestselling contemporary novels.
4. Man Tiger (Lelaki Harimau) – Eka Kurniawan
Eka Kurniawan is a rising star in Indonesian literature, and his novel Man Tiger has garnered international praise. Shortlisted for the Man Booker International Prize, the novel tells the haunting story of Margio, a young man possessed by a mystical tiger spirit.
Set in a rural village, the book explores themes of family, violence, and folklore. Kurniawan’s blending of magical realism with gritty social realities has drawn comparisons to Gabriel García Márquez. Man Tiger has solidified Eka Kurniawan’s reputation as one of Indonesia’s most important contemporary authors.
5. Pulang (Go Home) – Leila S. Chudori
Leila S. Chudori’s Pulang is a powerful novel about exile, identity, and the search for belonging. Spanning from the 1965 anti-communist purge to the fall of the Suharto regime, it chronicles the lives of Indonesian political exiles in Paris.
Through the character of Dimas Suryo, who fled Indonesia after the political unrest, the novel examines the emotional toll of displacement and the longing for home. Pulang received the Khatulistiwa Literary Award and has been widely acclaimed for its poignant storytelling and historical depth.
These novels reflect the diverse voices and narratives that define Indonesian literature. From historical sagas to contemporary tales, these bestselling works have captivated readers with their rich storytelling and profound themes. They are not only a testament to the creativity of Indonesian authors but also an invitation for global readers to explore Indonesia's literary treasures.
