MAKASSAR - The Indonesian Ministry of Culture supports the Makassar International Writers Festival (MIWF) 2026 as an important space to strengthen the literary ecosystem, especially from East Indonesia. This festival is considered not just an annual literary agenda, but has become a place for writers, artists, communities, and cultural networks across countries to grow.
MIWF 2026 will be held at Fort Rotterdam, Makassar, on May 14-17, 2026. This year, the festival has the theme of Re-co-ordinate with 144 programs, ranging from discussions, workshops, exhibitions, art performances, film screenings, to networking forums.
Special Staff to the Minister of Culture for Cultural Diplomacy and International Relations, Anissa Rengganis, said the sustainability of MIWF for 15 years is an important achievement. Moreover, this festival grew from the work of citizens and communities.
"This is an extraordinary achievement. It takes commitment, strategy, energy, and resilience from friends who are the driving force of MIWF," said Anissa at the Opening Night of MIWF 2026 in Makassar, Thursday, May 14.
According to Anissa, MIWF has a strong position because it is able to bring literature together with performing arts, fine arts, film, citizen activism, and communities from various regions. In that way, the festival does not stop as a reading and discussion space, but also becomes a cultural work space.
The theme of Re-co-ordinate, said Anissa, is relevant because it invites the public to rearrange the relationship between humans, art, the environment, and social issues today.
The Ministry of Culture also encourages MIWF to be part of the development of national talent in the fields of literature, film, performing arts, and fine arts. This support is provided through workshops, exhibitions, dance performances, film screenings, discussion forums, and translation programs.
One of the important points of MIWF 2026 is the strengthening of the regeneration of young East Indonesian writers through the MIWF Emerging Writers program. This program is a space for new writers to enter a wider literary network.
In addition, the Ministry of Culture encourages the internationalization of Indonesian literature, including through the strengthening of Indonesian-French cultural diplomacy in the field of literature.
"Hopefully all of these programs can have a big impact on strengthening the art and culture ecosystem in Indonesia," said Anissa.
MIWF director, M. Aan Mansyur, said the festival survived because it was guarded by residents and communities.
"MIWF has been able to survive until now because it is driven by residents and communities who keep this festival alive year after year," said Aan.
The Ministry of Culture also supports the preparation of records of the festival's journey as a reference for the development of the literature and culture ecosystem in the future.
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