Ajip Rosidi

(1938) is a well-known novelist in Indonesia, as well as a literary critic and previously a publisher of modern Indonesian literature. In addition he has devoted himself to the conservation and the promotion of language and culture of the area he was born in, Sundanese. He writes in that language, investigating and documenting historical writings and promotes the study of other regional languages in Indonesia. At a young age he published his first book of short stories and poems, such as the semi-autobiographical Perjalan pengantan (1958). Rosidi swiftly developed into one of the most productive and authoritative literary essayists and critics. Where possible Ajip Rosidi has always sought foreign cooperation, also in projects with the Dutch and Dutch language institutions. In cooperation with the Royal Dutch Institute for Language, Geography and Ethnology (KITLV) in Leiden he worked on a project for the documentation, conservation and publication of Sundanese pantuns (long epic poems, recited in long nightly sessions). In 2004 Rosidi received the professor Teeuw Prize for his contribution to the cultural relationship between the Netherlands and Indonesia.

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