Malaysia-Indonesia strengthen bilateral relations through literary initiative

Malaysia and Indonesia have further strengthen bilateral ties by jointly publishing a book titled, 'Antologi Cerpen Indonesia-Malaysia'.

The literary initiative was accomplished through two publication institutions, the Malaysian Institute of Translation & Books (ITBM) and Yayasan Pustaka Obor Indonesia.

The collection of 20 short stories by 10 Indonesian writers and 10 Malaysian writers was launched by Malaysian Ambassador-Designate to Indonesia, Datuk Seri Zahrain Mohamed Hashim at the Indonesian Book Fair 2013 here on Monday.

The book dwells on the national history, struggles, identity, love for country of the people of both nations, which were similar in many aspects despite the political boundary.

"In the past, the boundary did not exist but because of colonial policy we have become two sovereign nations.

"In defending our respective sovereignty, we should not dismiss our homogeneity in terms of language, culture and religion," he said.

Meanwhile, ITBM managing director and CEO, Mohd Khair Ngadiron said the book was special because it was the first collaboration between the two sides since Malaysia's participation in Indonesia's Book Fair last year.

Yayasan Obor Indonesia Supervisory Board member Taufik Abdullah said the publication gave the people of Malaysia and Indonesia an opportunity to familiarise themselves with writers and literary works from both countries.