2026 – Writing Workshop Kaliurang
by Alip Yuli Susanto, VDMI Staff
Van Deventer-Maas Indonesia (VDMI) held a writing workshop themed “Nature, Culture, and Future” on April 21–23, 2026. The event brought together 18 selected participants—VDMI alumni and grantees from various regions of Indonesia—to seek inspiration and hone their critical thinking amidst the serene surroundings at the foot of Mount Merapi.
The first day opened with a touching and colorful atmosphere, coinciding with Kartini Day. Participants wore traditional attire from their respective regions to celebrate Kartini Day. Additionally, participants shared their perspectives on the significance of Kartini in contemporary life. Beyond mere writing techniques, this workshop explored the philosophical values of writing. St. Kartono—a senior writer and journalist—emphasized that writing broadens one’s perspective and enriches vocabulary. He shared techniques for writing opinion, features, and popular science articles using the Problem–Evaluation–Solution formula. This approach encourages participants not only to describe phenomena but also to present solutions for society.
On the second day, participants put theory into practice through field observations in Kaliurang, a region rich in history and natural beauty. Divided into four groups, they explored: Group 1 (Bukit 94 and the Bee Farm), Group 2 (the Ullen Sentalu Museum for art and history, and the Fresh Cow’s Milk Enterprise), Group 3 (the Anaia and Alisha Museums, and the Botanical Garden), and Group 4 (the Mount Merapi Museum for collective memory). These observations confirm that the inspiration for writing stems from direct interaction with the environment and the community. Field data is then processed into engaging and meaningful narratives. After the observations were completed, each group was given time to compile materials and data for writing.
In addition to focusing on writing, this workshop also addressed critical social issues. Annisa Taqwa (alumna Hang Tuah University) gave a presentation on Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA). This session aimed to raise young writers’ awareness of child protection issues in the digital world, given their strategic role as future shapers of public opinion. The event continued with presentations of draft writings by each participant. A total of 18 articles emerged from the intensive three-day creative process. Their writings truly demonstrated the diversity of the participants’ perspectives in capturing the essence of Kaliurang’s culture and nature.
As a token of appreciation, Muh. Ikbal and Rabiatul Munawarah were selected as the best participants for their active involvement throughout the event. Meanwhile, Group 1—comprising Joan, Ikbal, Florence, and Rainyta—was named the best group for their strong teamwork during the observation period. Through this workshop, VDMI hopes that participants will not stop writing once the event is over. All the works produced will be compiled into a book as tangible proof of their contribution to documenting local heritage through the perspective of the younger generation. This workshop in Kaliurang demonstrates that when nature, culture, and the spirit of the future come together in a written piece, it is not merely a string of words, but an enduring legacy of thought.
