Nur Janti, Jakarta – The Pramoedya Ananta Toer Foundation launched on Monday seabadpram.com, an online encyclopedia dedicated to the renowned Indonesian author. The platform, which includes photographs, archives and a list of Pramoedya's works, marks the centennial commemoration of his life and legacy.
Following the February kickoff event in Blora, Central Java, which began the year-long commemoration, the foundation partnered with the Beranda Rakyat Garuda art community to bring the website to life.
The platform was designed by Pramoedya enthusiasts Andre C. Pramaditya, Chris Wibisana and Muhammad Urwatil Wutsqo. It allows users to contribute additional information, data and archival materials.
"The website aims to preserve Pramoedya's legacy. As an open-source platform, we invite public participation to enrich the content," Chris explained on Monday.
Literary enthusiasts can explore a list of 53 works by Pramoedya, published between 1950 and 2014, in the "Bibliografi" section. The "Linimasa" section allows visitors to explore key moments in the author's 81-year journey, divided into seven distinct periods, from his childhood and early life in Blora, to his years in Djakarta, his turbulent life from 1950 to 1965, his imprisonment from 1965 to 1979 under the New Order regime and his final years.
The website also includes three photo albums: 16 images from Pramoedya's exile in the Buru penal colony, 24 from his return and two from his visit to Germany. Additional albums will be added, eventually totaling five to seven collections.
Pramoedya's letters are also featured on the site, including 26 postcards from Buru Island, the oldest of which is dated May 8, 1973. The archive will grow to include his correspondence with other writers, letters from abroad, rebuttal letters rejected by newspapers in the 1980s and government-issued book bans.
Aditya Ananta Toer, Pramoedya's grandson and chairman of the foundation, stated that the archives are available for academic, journalistic and non-commercial use. However, users must contact the website administrators before accessing the files. The platform will remain open until January 2026, with plans for its long-term continuation.
"We hope this website will offer valuable insights for Pramoedya's admirers and serve as a resource for researchers seeking materials and a deeper understanding of his life and work," Aditya said.
Pramoedya, a vocal advocate for freedom and human rights, endured imprisonment under various regimes, including 14 years under Soeharto. His works continue to inspire readers globally, shedding light on social and human rights issues.