NARASINETWORK.COM - On May 31st, 2025, a significant event unfolded in the heart of Jakarta's artistic landscape. Twenty-five Indonesian poets convened at Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), marking the inaugural gathering of the Indonesian chapter of the World Poetry Movement (WPM).
This historic meeting, titled "Indonesian Poets Read for Gaza: Love and Save Gaza," served as a powerful testament to the unifying power of poetry and its potential to amplify voices often unheard on the global stage.
The World Poetry Movement (WPM) Indonesia launched on May 31, 2025, uniting Indonesian poets to advocate for global human rights and social justice through poetry, with a focus on Palestine but a broader humanitarian vision.
The formation of WPM Indonesia follows an online assembly held on May 20th, 2025, where Sastri Bakry was unanimously elected as Chairperson.
This significant development is a direct result of the international recognition bestowed upon Bakry by the global WPM, acknowledging her substantial contributions to Indonesian literature.
The global WPM, founded in 2012 by renowned Colombian poet Fernando Rendón, aims to harness the power of poetry as a tool for communication, human expression, and social transformation. Rendón, also the founder and President of the prestigious Medellín International Poetry Festival, envisioned a global network where poets could connect, collaborate, and use their art to bridge cultural divides and advocate for positive change.
The World Poetry Movement (WPM) Indonesia launched on May 31, 2025, uniting Indonesian poets to advocate for global human rights and social justice through poetry, with a focus on Palestine but a broader humanitarian vision.
The inaugural event featured readings centered around the theme "Love and Save Gaza," reflecting a deep concern for the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine. Prominent Indonesian poets, including Nuyang Jaimee, Fanny J Poyk, Dikdik Sadikin, Jack Al Ghazali, Romy Sastra, Pudji Isdriani, Arie Toskir, Kemalsyah, Nunung, and Karenina, among others, shared their poignant works, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people.
However, Chairperson Sastri Bakry was quick to emphasize that WPM Indonesia's mission transcends a singular focus on Gaza. The organization aims to address a broader spectrum of humanitarian concerns, utilizing the power of poetry to advocate for justice and human rights on a global scale.
Bakry expressed her unwavering commitment to amplifying the voices of Indonesian poets internationally, envisioning WPM Indonesia as a crucial conduit for connecting Indonesian artistic expression with the global poetry movement.
She hopes that through this platform, Indonesian poets can contribute significantly to the global discourse on humanity and social justice. This sentiment was echoed by Nuyang Jaimee, who highlighted the importance of consistent engagement, aiming to organize at least one national-level event annually to maintain momentum and ensure the movement's longevity. The final structure and organization of WPM Indonesia will be further defined in subsequent meetings.
Dikdik Sadikin's address provided a critical perspective on the role of poetry in contemporary society. He stressed the urgent need for poets to actively counter the manipulative narratives that often dominate public discourse. He argued that in an era where "truth" is frequently constructed and manipulated, poets must use their voices to inspire empathy, challenge falsehoods, and promote a more honest and just world.
The event concluded with a collective prayer, a powerful symbol of hope and a shared commitment to using the power of poetry to illuminate the path towards a more just and compassionate future. The establishment of WPM Indonesia represents a significant milestone, promising to amplify Indonesian voices on the global stage and contribute to a broader movement for social justice and human rights.