Profile
The Lontar Foundation, a not-for-profit organization
based in Jakarta, Indonesia, was founded in 1987 by four Indonesian
writers: Goenawan Mohamad, Sapardi Djoko Damono, Umar Kayam, and Subagio
Sastrowardoyo and the American translator, John
H. McGlynn.
The foundation is an independent organization, neither affiliated with
nor intended to promote the interests of any particular political cause or
group. The Foundation's core activity is the translation and publication
of Indonesian literary works for use in the teaching of Indonesian
literature and culture abroad.
Foundation Goals
Prior to the establishment of the Lontar Foundation
there was virtually no place on the world market for the sale of Indonesian
literature in translation. Lontar pioneered this market by producing
quality translations at an affordable price available both inside and
out of Indonesia.
Lontar has produced over 30 translations of Indonesian literature, drama, poetry, and scholarly works since 1987.
It is through these publications that Lontar expects to fulfill its long term goals:
- To stimulate the further development of Indonesian literature.
- To make Indonesian literature accessible to an international audience.
- To preserve for future generations Indonesia's literary record.
Indonesian Literature is understood to include literary works both in the
Indonesian language and other forms of the Malay languages as well as in other
regional languages of the Indonesian archipelago.
The same is true of the term, Indonesian Culture.
Programs and Activities
Lontar's work fills a gap in Indonesian cultural education that is not being performed by
any other organization anywhere in the world.
Since its establishment Lontar has become both an integral part of
Indonesia's cultural scene and an active participant in a wide range
of cultural related activities in Indonesia and abroad.
All foundation programs and activities are aimed at achievement
of the aforementioned goals.
