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How do we read history? Poet Zeffry Alkatiri chose poetry to help re-read history. He writes narrative poetry that chronicles history, relating to the presence of Arab-Betawi communities in Jakarta, as well as general Indonesian history. This way, the poet is not merely grappling with the presentation of history as poetry, but also situating himself in contention with existing forms of poetry. Where are the concentrations of poetry and the essence of history in his works?
Zeffry Alkatiri began writing history-as-poetry with his first book Dari Batavia sampai Jakarta 1619-1999: Sejarah dan Kebudayaan Betawi-Jakarta dalam Sajak (From Batavia to Jakarta 1619-1999: History and Culture of the Jakarta-Betawis in Poetry, Indonesia Tera, 2001). His most recent book of poetry, Post Kolonial & Wisata Sejarah dalam Sajak (Post-colonialism and Historical Tourism in Poetry, 2012) still grapples with this issue. It is also winner of the Khatulistiwa Literary Award 2012.
This discussion will also be attended by speakers Mina Elfrina and Manneke Budiman, lecturers in Literature, Faculty of Humanities, University of Indonesia, Depok; as well as historian Bondan Kanumoyoso.
Cast and Creative team for Post-colonialism & Historical Tourism in Poetry by Zeffry Alkatiri at Salihara Theater
Zeffry Alkatiri
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