Kuflet Arts Community Unveils Negeri Bencana: A Poetic Chronicle of Calamities
Reported by Anto Narasoma.
Translated & Rewritten by Leni Marlina.
–
PADANG PANJANG – Indonesia. The heart-wrenching aftermath of the 2004 Banda Aceh tsunami, which once stunned the world, was brought vividly to life through a four-minute video during the launch of the poetry anthology Negeri Bencana (Disaster Nation). The haunting visuals of that tragedy, alongside scenes of volcanic eruptions, flash floods, landslides, and cyclones, struck a profound chord, creating a moment of solemn reflection.
This poignant event was hosted by the Kuflet Arts Community in Padang Panjang on Saturday, December 28, 2024. The launch celebrated the publication of a collaborative anthology featuring 100 poets from across Indonesia. The program commenced with the ceremonial signing of the book cover by Kuflet leaders, curators, contributors, and invited dignitaries.
A Literary Call to Conscience
Riska Lovani Akbar, Chairperson of Kuflet Arts Community, described the anthology as a heartfelt response to the natural disasters that have scarred Indonesia in recent decades.
“The idea for this project was born out of collective concern. We began inviting submissions on June 15, 2024, in collaboration with Elipsis Digital Magazine. Out of 250 submissions, we selected 100 poems from 157 poets,” Riska explained, her smile tinged with both pride and gravity.
The anthology, she added, serves as a unifying voice, echoing the shared grief and resilience of Indonesians from Aceh to Maluku. “These poets embody the spirit of empathy, speaking for all corners of the archipelago, from Sabang to Merauke.”
Exploring the Power of Poetry
A thoughtful discussion followed, moderated by Muhammad Subhan, a writer and founder of Elipsis. The panel featured three esteemed speakers: Dr. Sahrul N., an academic and art critic; Adri Sandra, a prominent poet; and Dr. Sulaiman Djuned, a playwright and theater director.
Dr. Sahrul praised the anthology’s ability to transcend mere documentation, using poetic expression to memorialize tragedy. “These poems are more than records of devastation—they are bridges to the soul, evoking emotion, fostering empathy, and offering lessons for future generations,” he remarked.
He shared his personal connection to the theme, recalling the 2009 earthquake in Padang Pariaman, which buried his village under landslides. “There’s a paradoxical ‘beauty’ in these works—beauty in the sense that these poets have turned pain into profound artistry,” he observed.
Adri Sandra analyzed three standout poems: Surat Cinta dari Sangkala 1 by Acep Syahril, Surat dari Blang Mancung by LK Ara, and Surat untuk Palu dan Donggala by Rico Fernando. “These pieces reveal not only the divine forces behind natural disasters but also humanity’s complicity,” he explained.
Rico Fernando’s poem, Adri noted, immerses readers so deeply in the chaos of Palu and Donggala that one feels transported into the heart of the catastrophe. “It’s not just skillful writing—it’s an invitation to share the pain, compassion, and urgency of these events,” he added.
Dr. Sulaiman Djuned emphasized Kuflet’s tradition of championing humanitarian causes through literature. “Last year, Kuflet published Cinta untuk Palestina (Love for Palestine). This year, it’s Negeri Bencana. Kuflet proves again and again its relevance to the human condition,” he said.
A Moving Finale
The evening reached its emotional crescendo with a stirring monologue by Atika and heartfelt poetry readings by contributors and guests. Desti Mairoza, a poet from Solok whose work is featured in the anthology, expressed her deep gratitude for being part of this historic moment.
“This is an extraordinary event. It’s an honor to stand among such gifted and passionate voices,” she said.
In his closing remarks, Kuflet Chairperson Akbar shared his hopes for the anthology’s impact: “May Negeri Bencana stand as a timeless reminder and inspire greater awareness of the fragile balance between humanity and nature.”
