Wikan Satriati
23 June 1975 – 25 April 2021
Wikan, a writer and a colleague at Lontar, passed away recently, and we deeply mourn her loss. In more than a decade of dedication to the translation and publication of books by Indonesian authors, she contributed immensely to Lontar’s mission of promoting Indonesian literature abroad. Her passion for books, for the biographies of authors, essayists and poets was so deep she could conjure up names, dates and titles, at any given time. Not surprisingly, she was chosen to help organize and run Lontar’s programs at several international events, including the Frankfurt and London Book Fairs. Likewise, she worked assiduously at literary-related events at home as well, including the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival in Bali and the Makassar International Literary Festival. Lest we forget, Wikan was also a writer in her own right and produced a number of children’s books, some of which have been translated into English and Chinese. One is Gadis Kecil Penjaga Bintang (2008) which was published, in English, with the title, Of Stars and Prayers: Seven Stories about Prayers. Wikan will be remembered most for being generous with her time in helping students and young authors doing research on literary and historical figures at Lontar’s library. For her valuable contribution in promoting Indonesian literature and culture, for her passion for writings and writers, and for her kindness to all, she will be dearly missed. Rest in eternal peace, dear Wikan.