Welcome to the very first episode of The Faces Behind the Festival! In this series, we take you behind the scenes of one of the world’s most beloved literary events, introducing you to the passionate individuals who make it all happen.
In our debut episode, we’re thrilled to spotlight Dwi Ermayanthi (Erma), the Festival Manager whose dedication and vision have been instrumental in shaping the magic of UWRF. Join us as she shares her story, from her inspiring journey with the festival to her author wishlist for the 2025 Festival.
What’s one of the most unforgettable moments in your journey as the Festival Manager? A moment that surprised or deeply moved you?
The most unforgettable moment has to be back in May 2020 when Janet—our Festival Director—called me and asked if I’d lead the Festival team. It was such a wild time—right in the middle of the COVID-19 lockdown. Nobody knew how long it would last or how we’d even make the Festival happen. Honestly, it felt like stepping into uncharted territory: terrifying but also thrilling, like a blank canvas waiting to be filled with new possibilities. One thing that stuck with me was when Ibu Janet said, “We’ll go through this together.” That simple reassurance meant everything as we navigated this massive unknown. Looking back now, I am glad we made it!
Which writer has left the deepest impression on you during your time here?
It’s tough to catch sessions during the Festival because I’m always running around! But I had more chances to tune in when we went online or hybrid from 2020 to 2022. My all-time favorite sessions? Definitely Ruth Ozeki and Yuval Noah Harari. Both are brilliant writers and incredible speakers. Listening to them felt like watering your mind and soul—so inspiring and perspective-shifting. If you haven’t seen their sessions yet, they’re still up online. Trust me, it’s an hour well spent.
