Made up of over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is the fourth most populous country on the planet. It is home to hundreds of different ethnicities and languages, and a cultural identity that is therefore constantly in flux. Like the country as a whole, the capital Jakarta is a multiplicity of irreducible, unpredictable and contradictory perspectives.

From down-and-out philosophers to roadside entertainers, the characters in these stories see Jakarta from all angles. Traversing different neighbourhoods and social strata, their stories capture the energy, aspirations, and ever-changing landscape of what is also the world’s fastest-sinking city.

Join us for the launch of this brand new anthology of stories translated into English for the first time, depicting the city of Jakarta. Helen Vassallo will be in conversation with contributing authors Ratri Ninditya and Ziggy Zesyazevieonnazabriskie and translator Rara Rizal who will be joining us via Zoom from Jakarta.

This book has been published with the support of the British Council.