Rizal's Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo now in Bahasa Indonesia

MANILA – Dr. Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere (Jangan Sentuh Aku) and El Filibusterismo (Orang-orang Rakus) are now available in Bahasa Indonesia translations, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Thursday.

Noli Me Tangere was translated by Indonesian writer, literary translator and editor Anton Kurnia, while El Filibusterismo was translated by Indonesian literary translator Atta Verin.

PT Copas Copus published both works under the Philippine Guest of Honor at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025 (PhlGoH2025) Funding Program.

Through these translations, the DFA said Rizal’s works are made more accessible to Indonesian readers, providing them with greater appreciation of Philippine history and literature.

The Filipino national hero’s Noli Me Tangere, and its sequel, El Filibusterismo, both depict the social inequalities and injustices in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial rule.

The publication of Rizal’s work in Indonesia is also supported by the National Book Development Board of the Philippines (NBDB), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Office of Sen. Loren Legarda.

Last August 28, the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta also led the rededication of Sentro Rizal Jakarta as part of its effort to further promote Philippine culture, arts, language and heritage in Indonesia.

At the ceremony, Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Christopher Montero highlighted the deep historical and cultural connection between the Philippines and Indonesia, noting that Rizal’s ideas and writings resonated with Indonesian nationalist leaders and contributed to a shared understanding of the two countries’ struggles against colonial rule.

Sentro Rizal Jakarta was inaugurated on Nov. 22, 2015, and has since hosted programs highlighting Philippines-Indonesia shared history and heritage, and literary and cultural exchanges, among others.

The DFA said the re-launched Sentro Rizal Jakarta will build on these initiatives through an expanded program of cultural activities, including a Filipino Language Program for Young Learners, a Philippine Horror Film Festival and lectures on Philippines-Indonesia shared heritage and history. (PNA)