On 17 June 2026, students on the Master’s Programme in Anthropology paid an academic visit to the home of the Indonesian writer, Ahmad Tohari, in Banyumas. The visit formed part of the learning process, providing an opportunity for reflection on the importance of literacy, advocacy for marginalized communities, and intellectual responsibility in producing written works that have an impact on society. The meeting was warm and inspiring for the students.
Ahmad Tohari shared the story of his journey to becoming recognised as one of Indonesia’s leading writers. He explained that becoming a writer is not an easy path. Perseverance, sensitivity to the lives of the community, and the courage to give voice to social realities were the key qualities that enabled him to produce works that remain relevant to this day. According to Ahmad Tohari, it is not enough for a writer simply to have the ability to string words together. Writers must also be able to give a voice to those who are often unheard, particularly marginalized communities facing various social issues. He expressed his concern that some contemporary literary works are beginning to lose their connection with the realities of grassroots communities and are becoming more market-oriented than focused on human values.
He urged the students to begin writing about the communities closest to them before seeking out distant or exotic subjects. He cited one of his own works, “Ronggeng Dukuh Paruk”, which draws on the Banyumas community where he was born and raised. This approach ultimately helped us, those present, to embrace the spirit of the decolonisation of knowledge—as an effort to build an understanding of Indonesian society without always relying on Western frameworks of thought. Whilst he did not explicitly mention the term ‘decolonisation’ during the discussion, throughout his career he has written from local perspectives and using local idioms; indeed, through every experience he shared, it was evident how that spirit manifested itself.
“Write; by writing, you exist.”
This message left the deepest impression on the students. For Ahmad Tohari, writing is not merely an academic activity or a profession, but a form of existence and a moral responsibility to document human experience, preserve collective memory, and champion the values of justice and humanity. Furthermore, this session offered a fresh perspective on the importance of ethnography and scholarly writing—work that not only meets academic standards but also brings tangible benefits to society. As aspiring researchers and academics, the students were encouraged to produce writing born of empathy, championing the interests of vulnerable groups, and serving as a bridge between knowledge and social change.
Author: Elsha Pipit Nathalia & Dewi Widyastuti
Photo Credits: Dr. Sita Hidayah, M.A.
