A Literary Collaboration Creating Space for Young People to Express Themselves


On a calm afternoon, mats were spread across the community hall of Kelurahan Blitar, Sukorejo District, Blitar City. There was no grand stage or elaborate lighting. Instead, people arrived carrying stories, poems, songs, and a willingness to listen to one another.

That was the atmosphere of Suara Sastra Edition 77, a literary gathering that once again demonstrated that literacy spaces do not always have to exist in libraries or performance halls. A neighborhood hall can become a place where ideas are born, generations meet, and young people find the confidence to share their voices.

Suara Sastra Arrives in Kelurahan Blitar

The 77th edition took place from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. As in previous editions, the event was hosted by Ahmad Fahrizal Aziz, who guided the program in a relaxed manner while giving every participant an opportunity to perform and engage in discussion.

The event opened with remarks from Suraya, Head of the Community Information Group (KIM) of Kelurahan Blitar, who has been actively promoting arts, culture, and tourism initiatives in the area.

In his speech, he expressed appreciation for the collaboration between Suara Sastra and the Youth Organization of Kelurahan Blitar (Karang Taruna). He hoped that this partnership would continue to grow and become a creative platform for young people in Kelurahan Blitar and Blitar City as a whole.

The goal was clear. Young people need a place where they can gather, create, exchange ideas, and build connections through cultural activities.

A Simple Question That Sparked Reflection

Before the performances began, participants were invited to answer a question.

“What is one thing that can be introduced about Blitar besides Bung Karno?”

The responses were diverse.

Some mentioned Blitar’s peaceful atmosphere and its abundance of greenery. Others highlighted the city's cool and comfortable environment.

Several participants pointed to Blitar’s rich historical heritage, ranging from ancient temples and royal history to cultural traditions that continue to thrive today.

What began as a simple question soon became a collective reflection on local identity. It revealed that Blitar possesses many attractions and stories worth sharing with the wider world.

An Open Stage for Everyone

Following the opening session, participants took turns presenting their works.

Some recited poetry.

Others performed songs.

There were also poetry musicalizations, monologues, and storytelling performances.

There were no restrictions based on profession, age, or experience. Everyone was given the same opportunity to express themselves.

After each performance, participants gathered to discuss the meaning behind the works presented. The discussions were informal and free from barriers between performers and audience members.

This format has become one of Suara Sastra’s defining characteristics since its inception.

“Meeting to Voice”

Suara Sastra is not a formal organization.

It is an open platform guided by the slogan “Bersua untuk Bersuara”, which can be translated as “Meeting to Voice” or “Gathering to Speak Out.”

The meaning of this slogan can be seen in every edition.

Anyone is welcome.

You do not need to be a poet.

You do not need to be a musician.

You do not need to have published a book.

Even attending simply to listen is considered participation.

This inclusive concept has helped Suara Sastra grow into a literary platform that appeals to people from many different backgrounds.

Founded by Local Literacy Activists

Suara Sastra was initiated by Andik Prasetyo, widely known as Jon Blitar, together with Galang Bima Suhastra from Kebonduren Village, Ponggok District.

They later established a partnership with the Blitar Regency Library and Archives Office (Dispusip).

Support from Dispusip has enabled the program to continue consistently over the years.

In addition to providing venues, the institution actively documents and promotes Suara Sastra activities, helping the program reach a broader audience.

Moving from Place to Place

Initially, many sessions were held at the courtyard of the Blitar Regional Library in Jatilengger, Ponggok.

Over time, however, Suara Sastra chose not to remain in a single location.

Instead, it adopted a mobile format to bring literary activities closer to different communities.

Past venues have included Blitar Art Center, Sanggar Seni Sasmita in Sukorejo, Pasar Wage in Blitar City, Penataran Night Street Food, Sinar Remaja near Blitar Railway Station, Ngglanuk Spot in Talun, and now the Kelurahan Blitar community hall.

This approach has introduced Suara Sastra to a wider audience across the Blitar region.

The Journey Toward Edition 77

Throughout 2026, Suara Sastra continued to organize events featuring various themes and collaborations.

Edition 73 was held on May 10, 2026, at Ngglanuk Spot in Talun.

Edition 74 took place at Sinar Remaja in Blitar City.

Edition 75 featured a collaboration with Majelis Maiyah Balitar.

Edition 76 was a special event commemorating the anniversary of the passing of Bung Karno, held at the courtyard of the Blitar Regency Library and Archives Office.

Edition 77 now brings the spirit of literacy into a neighborhood setting through collaboration with Karang Taruna.

This step demonstrates that literature can thrive close to everyday community life.

Producing Collective Literary Works

Suara Sastra is more than a performance platform.

It has also produced a number of collective publications.

One of its notable achievements is the poetry anthology “Dari Blitar untuk Indonesia” Volume 2, carrying the theme “Hope for Blitar.”

The book involved dozens of contributors from across the Blitar region.

Another publication is the short story anthology “Blitar dalam Cerita”, launched during a special edition at the end of 2025.

Future anthology projects are also being planned to provide opportunities for emerging writers.

These publications ensure that the ideas shared during gatherings leave a lasting legacy in written form.

A Subject of Academic Research

The consistency of Suara Sastra has also attracted academic attention.

In 2024, it became the subject of an undergraduate thesis by Ismaya Rahmawati from UIN Sayyid Ali Rahmatullah Tulungagung.

The research examined the role of Suara Sastra in improving information literacy among literary enthusiasts at the Blitar Regional Library.

The findings concluded that discussions, exchanges of ideas, and interactions among participants contributed positively to literacy development.

Although challenges related to facilities and personal factors remained, the study found that the program effectively encouraged reading, discussion, and creative expression.

A Literary Space That Continues to Grow

In many places, literary events depend on annual festivals or occasional celebrations.

Suara Sastra follows a different path.

Its strength lies in regular gatherings.

Consistent meetings help build stronger relationships among participants.

People who initially attend as audience members gradually gain the confidence to read poetry.

Those who once only listened eventually bring musical instruments and perform.

Others who begin as documentarians later become active contributors to discussions.

This process shows that literacy grows through habit and participation rather than competition.

More Than a Literary Performance

Suara Sastra Edition 77 demonstrates that literature can exist anywhere.

A neighborhood hall becomes a place for dialogue.

Youth organizations meet literary activists.

Residents discuss the identity of their city.

Young people gain opportunities to share their ideas.

This kind of collaboration also illustrates that cultural development does not always require large-scale events. Small gatherings held consistently can create lasting impact.

When people have a space to speak and listen, creative works continue to emerge. From those works come conversations. From conversations come communities that keep growing.

Through seventy-seven editions and counting, Suara Sastra has shown that literature belongs not to a select group, but to anyone willing to share experiences, listen to others, and keep cultural life moving forward in Blitar.