Emerging Writer Patron Programme

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

Each year, we uncover Indonesia’s next generation of literary voices. From across the archipelago, hundreds of submissions are rigorously reviewed by an independent curatorial board, with a select group of emerging novelists, poets, and playwrights published and launched at the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival.

The Emerging Writers Anthology is a proven launchpad for Indonesia’s most promising new literary voices. As a bilingual publication, it delivers professional English translation—often for the first time—unlocking international visibility and long-term career opportunities. With 1,212 submissions in 2025, it stands among Indonesia’s most far-reaching and impactful literary initiatives.

For sponsors, this is a high-impact legacy investment: championing new voices, expanding access, and carrying Indonesian stories onto the global stage.

This programme is one of the most awaited ones because of its prestige and sustainable impact. I hope this programme will drive these writers’ potential and motivation to consistently write.

Dee Lestari, Indonesian Fiction Writer

The 2026 ProgramMe

In 2025, we issued a national call to Indonesia’s most compelling writing creatives, inviting work that confronts the realities of contemporary Indonesia, from social change and history to the forces reshaping life in the digital age. The response was extraordinary. More than 650 submissions. 21 provinces. One defining selection. From across the archipelago, 10 exceptional writers were chosen through a rigorous curatorial process led by A. Nabil Wibisana, Cyntha Hariadi, and Siska Yuanita.

Meet the selected finalists:

The Impact

Selected writers receive professional mentoring, editorial development, and English translation—often for the first time—before being published and launched at the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, Southeast Asia’s leading festival of words and ideas. For many, this marks the beginning of a sustained literary career.

Every patron contribution strengthens the programme, while higher patron levels directly underwrite writers and secure long-term cultural impact. Choose your level of impact:

Become a Patron

Support Now

Supporting Patron

IDR 11,000,000 | AUD 1,000 | USD 650
Stand behind the programme

This level signals belief in the importance of new voices and the future of Indonesian storytelling. It is an entry point into patronage and a public statement of support.

What You Make Possible

Supports the delivery of the 2026 Emerging Writers programme
Contributes to mentoring, editorial development, translation, and festival access

How We Thank You

Public acknowledgement at the Emerging Writers Anthology Book Launch
Name listed in the Festival Programme Book and Festival website
Invitation to selected Emerging Writers events during the Festival

Become a Patron

Writer Benefactor

IDR 25,000,000 | AUD 2,200 | USD 1500
One Writer. One Career Launched.

This level delivers direct, human impact. Writer Benefactors underwrite the full participation of one Emerging Writer, creating a defining professional milestone.

What You Make Possible

Fully supports one selected Emerging Writer
Enables mentorship, editorial development, English translation, and international exposure
Establishes a lasting professional credential

How We Thank You

Invitation to the Festival’s Opening Night Gala
Public acknowledgement at the Anthology Book Launch
Patron listing in the Festival Programme Book and on the website
Invitation to an exclusive Emerging Writers & Patrons gathering

Become a Patron

Lead Patron

IDR 100,000,000 | AUD 8,500 | USD 6,000
Four Writers. National Reach.

Lead Patrons multiply impact, extending opportunity across regions and strengthening the programme’s national presence.

What You Make Possible

Directly supports four Emerging Writers from across the archipelago
Expands access to opportunity for writers beyond major urban centres
Strengthens programme sustainability

How We Thank You

On-stage acknowledgement at the Festival’s Opening Night Gala
Prominent recognition as Lead Patron at the Festival
Patron listing in the Festival Programme Book and on the website
Private engagement with writers and curators
Priority access to key Festival events

Become a Patron

Founding Patron

IDR 250,000,000 | AUD 22,000 | USD 15,000
Ten Writers. A Cultural Legacy.

Founding Patrons secure the programme itself. This level underwrites the entire Emerging Writers cohort and ensures Indonesia’s new voices are carried forward, translated, and internationally visible.

What You Make Possible

Fully underwrites the 2026 Emerging Writers programme
Safeguards one of Indonesia’s most vital literary pathways
Positions Indonesian literature on the global stage for the long term

How We Thank You

“Presented by [Your Name]” credit on the Emerging Writers Anthology
On-stage recognition at the Festival’s Opening Night Gala and Anthology Book Launch
Invitation to a private dinner with writers, curators, and Festival leadership
Legacy acknowledgement across Festival platforms throughout 2026

Become a Patron

Support Now

Supporting the Emerging Writers Programme is not sponsorship. It is cultural leadership.

Janet DeNeefe, Festival Founder & Director

JOIN TODAY!

Choose your level of impact and support us today by becoming an honoured Emerging Writers patron.

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AUD

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IDR

A$1,000

A$2,200

A$8,500

A$22,000

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