The selection of Hungarian novelist László Krasznahorkai as the recipient of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature has drawn widespread attention from academics and literary figures worldwide, including Professor Aprinus Salam, a lecturer at the Department of Literature and Language, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM). He noted that the decision reflects the Nobel Committee’s sensitivity to the existential and moral crises afflicting the contemporary world.
According to Professor Salam, the Nobel Committee for Literature has consistently demonstrated an ability to capture pressing global issues each year. The institution is renowned for its prudence and comprises highly experienced jurors who are experts in their respective fields.
He observed that the world today is in an “apocalyptic” condition, and literary works such as Krasznahorkai’s can help humanity confront and reflect on that grim reality.
“In Indonesia, we have experienced many major events, such as those in 1965 and 1998, where thousands of people were senselessly killed. But what is even more horrifying is what followed: the collapse of morality, spirituality, and the destruction of a beautiful world,” he said on Friday (Oct. 17).
“Strangely, we lack the honesty and courage to fix it. Our condition is no better, even compared to those terrible times. László Krasznahorkai reminds us of that.”
For Professor Salam, every serious literary writer strives to create renewal, whether in terms of technique, knowledge, or perspectives on humanity and the world. This, he said, is what makes one worthy of receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Such renewal, he added, helps people reinterpret a constantly changing world and prevents them from being trapped in shallow understanding.
“In that context, the Nobel Committee for Literature may also take a political stance to refresh the world once a year with issues that deserve renewed discussion,” he explained.
When asked why Indonesian literature has yet to reach global awards such as the Nobel Prize, Professor Salam emphasized that writing literature is a profound humanitarian struggle. Unfortunately, Indonesia’s economic, political, and cultural conditions have not supported such a pursuit.
“Writing good literature is difficult. It is a work of ‘resisting an unjust world.’ It requires broad knowledge and deep moral courage,” he said.
Beyond structural factors, he also pointed to a fundamental issue rooted in the character of Indonesian society. Many Indonesian writers, he noted, tend to be easily satisfied and are not yet accustomed to the demanding process of producing deeply reflective works.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that quality literary works have emerged in Indonesia.
“But we need a national institution that focuses on translating Indonesian works into foreign languages so that they can reach a global audience,” he expressed.
Furthermore, Professor Salam underlined the crucial role of universities in nurturing literary researchers and critics. Although not necessarily through formal curricula, universities can provide facilities for those pursuing individual literary endeavors.
“In addition, the government, particularly the Ministry of Culture, has significant potential and a major role to play. The institution has the financial capacity to support writers who are serious about their craft,” he asserted.
Professor Salam reiterated that for Indonesian literature to reach the global stage, such as the Nobel Prize, writers must demonstrate perseverance, patience, and discipline.
“Do not be easily tempted by fleeting popularity. Writers must follow global intellectual developments, understand complex realities, and be prepared to go unappreciated. Writing literature is a difficult task, and that difficulty itself is often what we underestimate,” he concluded.
Author: Lintang Andwyna
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Salma
Illustration: Freepik