Twilight in Jakarta - Paperback

by Mochtar Lubis (Author)

Half a century ago when Mochtar Lubis's Twilight in Jakarta was secreted out of Indonesia and published in London, it was the first Indonesian novel ever to be published in English translation. It is re-published as Indonesia once again has a boisterous multiparty system of competing and collaborating political parties.

Author Biography

Mochtar Lubis (1922-2004) was an Indonesian journalist and novelist. His novel Senja di Jakarta (Twilight in Jakarta) was the first Indonesian novel to be translated into English. In 1949, Lubis cofounded Indonesia Raya, later serving as the daily's chief editor. His work with Indonesia Raya led to him being imprisoned numerous times for his critical writing. Lubis was outspoken about the need for freedom of the press in Indonesia and gained a reputation as an honest, no-nonsense reporter. In 2000, he was named as one of the International Press Institute's 50 World Press Freedom Heroes of the past 50 year. He is the author of six novels and two short stories collections.