A Century Later, Here Are the Recommendations for the Best Works of Pramoedya Ananta Toer

Kapanlagi.com - Pramoedya Ananta Toer, or commonly known as Pram, is one of Indonesia's greatest literary figures. His works not only add color to the world of literature but also reflect sharp history, struggle, and social criticism.

In many of his works, Pram highlights the realities of life during the colonial era, feudalism, and the social dynamics that are still relevant today. Through a strong and profound narrative style, he successfully portrays complex and emotionally rich characters.

If KLovers want to gain a deeper understanding of Indonesia's history and socio-culture through literature, here are seven of the best novels by Pramoedya Ananta Toer that are worth reading.

1. The Return Flow

Recommended Best Works of Pramoedya Ananta Toer. (instagram/pramoedyaanantatoer_foundation)

This novel tells the story of the glory days of the archipelago under the Majapahit Kingdom, which was gradually replaced by the arrival of Western nations. Galeng, a young man from Tuban, becomes the main character who leads the war against the Portuguese to reclaim Malacca. In this story, readers will be invited to explore the conflicts of kingdoms, political intrigues, and the cultural transition from Hindu-Buddhist to Islam in the archipelago.

2. Footsteps

As the third part of the Buru Island Tetralogy, this novel follows the journey of Minke, who has grown up and is studying at STOVIA, a medical school during the Dutch colonial era. He establishes the Islamic Trading Company and publishes Medan Priyayi, the first Malay-language newspaper in the Dutch East Indies. In this book, Pram combines fiction with historical reality, presenting figures such as R.A. Kartini and the founders of Budi Utomo.

3. Not a Night Market

Recommended Best Works of Pramoedya Ananta Toer. (instagram/elismadina/pramoedyaanantatoer_foundation)

Unlike other novels that are rich in history, Not a Night Market tells the emotional journey of a child who is reluctant to return to his village despite his father's severe illness. Initially filled with hatred, their relationship gradually improves, although in the end, the father passes away. This novel has a simple plot but is full of meaning, teaching about the transience of life and the importance of family.

4. Glass House

The last novel in the Buru Island Tetralogy highlights how the Dutch colonial government used a strict surveillance system against national movement activists. Minke becomes the main target, monitored by a senior police officer named Jacques Pangemanann. This novel shows how colonialism not only suppresses physically but also controls information and public opinion through glass house politics.

5. Arok Dedes

Recommended Best Works of Pramoedya Ananta Toer. (instagram/elismadina/pramoedyaanantatoer_foundation)

Taking the historical background of Tumapel, this novel tells the story of Dedes, a Brahmin princess who is forced to marry Tunggul Ametung. However, a student of Brahmin Lohgawe named Arok plans a coup against Tunggul Ametung. This novel vividly depicts how power can change through political strategy and the courage of a leader.

6. This Earth of Mankind

As the first novel in the Buru Island Tetralogy, This Earth of Mankind tells the struggle of Minke against Dutch discrimination towards the indigenous people. As the son of a regent, he receives a higher education, but still faces unfair treatment. Through this story, Pram harshly critiques the social inequalities that occurred during the colonial era.

7. The Beach Girl

Recommendation of the Best Works by Premoedya Ananta Toer. (instagram/pramoedyaanantatoer_foundation)

This novel tells the story of a woman from the lower class who is courted by a nobleman named Bendoro. The Beach Girl must learn etiquette and adapt to aristocratic life, only to realize that she is merely a concubine who can be dismissed at any time. Through this novel, Pram harshly criticizes the feudal social system that disadvantages women at that time.

That is a recommendation of the best works by Premoedya Ananta Toer. Have KLovers ever read his works? If not now, when?

(kpl/kpc)