Background

Mochtar Lubis (1926–2004) was a prominent Indonesian writer and journalist, particularly known for his work during the 1950s to 1980s. He is recognized as one of the key figures in Indonesian literature, particularly for his critical stance toward authoritarianism and his ability to explore the complexities of Indonesian society.

Early Life and Education

Mochtar Lubis, born on March 7, 1922, in Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia, was the sixth of ten children to Raja Pandapotan Lubis and Siti Madinah Nasution. His father, a Mandailing nobleman, served as a Demang (District Commissioner) in the Dutch colonial administration, the highest rank an Indonesian could attain at that time. Lubis began his education at a Dutch government elementary school in Sungei Penuh, where his father was stationed. He later attended the Algemene Middelbare School (AMS), a Dutch-language high school, in Jakarta. His early exposure to Dutch education and language profoundly influenced his literary and journalistic pursuits. https://bumibebas.blogspot.com/2007/06/mocthar-lubis-receives-ramon-magsaysay.html

Establishment of Indonesia Raya

The establishment of Indonesia Raya in 1949 co-founded by Mochtar Lubis, the newspaper quickly became known for its investigative journalism and critical stance toward governmental policies.

Founding and Financial Backing

Indonesia Raya was co-founded by Mochtar Lubis in 1949. The newspaper received irregular funding from military intelligence officers, which provided financial support for its operations. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Indonesia_Raya_%28newspaper%29; The Press in New Order Indonesia, Hill, D.T., 2006, Equinox Publishing  https://books.google.com.au/books?id=joGf9_V8fmoC

Ownership, Investors, and Senior Staff

The initial leadership of Indonesia Raya included Hiswara Darmaputera as the first editor-in-chief and Jullie Effendie as the general leader. However, both resigned after about a year. In August 1950, Mochtar Lubis assumed the role of editor-in-chief, steering the newspaper toward its hallmark investigative journalism and critical reporting. https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harian_Indonesia_Raya

Circulation and Reception

By 1956, Indonesia Raya had achieved a circulation of approximately 40,000 copies. However, after 1957, the newspaper faced multiple bans, leading to fluctuations in its circulation numbers. Despite these challenges, it maintained a significant presence in Indonesia’s media landscape. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Indonesia_Raya_%28newspaper%29

Relationship with Other Newspapers and the Political Context

Indonesia Raya operated in a competitive and politically charged media environment. Its critical stance often put it at odds with the government, leading to multiple bans and the imprisonment of its editor, Mochtar Lubis. This adversarial relationship with the government distinguished it from other newspapers of the time. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Indonesia_Raya_%28newspaper%29

President Sukarno’s Attitude and Actions Toward Indonesia Raya

President Sukarno viewed Indonesia Raya and its editor, Mochtar Lubis, as adversaries due to their critical reporting. Lubis was imprisoned during Sukarno’s presidency, becoming Indonesia’s best-known political prisoner internationally for most of this period. He spent most of the remainder of Sukarno’s presidency in detention. https://www.insideindonesia.org/archive/articles/mochtar-lubis

Personal Relationships with Indonesia’s Early Governments

Mochtar Lubis had a very special relationship with Sutan Sjahrir, Indonesia’s first prime minister and leader of the Partai Sosialis Indonesia (PSI). They were kindred spirits, sharing the same values, outlook, ideals, and courage. They both had an enormous belief in democracy and made great personal sacrifices for it. https://observerid.com/one-hundred-years-mochtar-lubis-part-i-mochtar-lubis-and-sutan-sjahrir/

The Year 1949

In 1949, Indonesia was still in a period of transformation. The nation was nearing the end of its struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule, culminating in the achievement of effective independence and transfer of sovereignty on December 27, 1949.

Founding of Indonesia Raya

On December 29, 1949, just two days after Indonesia’s sovereignty was officially recognized, Mochtar Lubis, in collaboration with Hasjim Mahdan, established the daily newspaper Indonesia Raya. Lubis assumed the role of editor-in-chief, steering the publication towards investigative journalism and fearless reporting. The newspaper quickly became known for its critical stance against corruption and governmental malfeasance. https://rmaward.asia/rmawardees/lubis-mochtar/

Journalistic Endeavors Prior to 1949

Before founding Indonesia Raya, Lubis had already immersed himself in the world of journalism. He worked with the Indonesian National News Agency, Antara, where his proficiency in English made him a valuable liaison for foreign correspondents covering the Indonesian revolution. This role not only honed his journalistic skills but also expanded his international perspective. https://tokoh.id/biografi/1-ensiklopedi/pahlawan-di-pentas-jurnalistik/

Literary Pursuits and Editorial Roles

In addition to his work with Antara, Lubis was involved in various editorial capacities. He contributed to short-lived magazines such as Masa Indonesia in 1947 and served as the editor-in-chief of Masa in 1948. These experiences provided him with a platform to voice his perspectives and critique societal issues. Furthermore, in 1949, he led Mutiara, a biweekly general magazine that, despite its brief 16-month run starting from April 15, 1949, showcased his commitment to diverse journalistic endeavors. https://eprints.walisongo.ac.id/id/eprint/7316/4/BAB III.pdf

Personal Milestones

On the personal front, Lubis had married Siti Halimah Kartawijaya on July 2, 1945. By 1949, the couple was nurturing their young family, which would eventually include three children: Indrawan Lubis, Arman Lubis, and Yana Zamin Lubis. https://www.ayo-berbahasa.id/2019/06/biografi-mochtar-lubis.html

Lubis’s Activities in 1949

Throughout 1949, he would have been deeply engaged in reporting on Indonesia’s political developments. His work likely involved covering the negotiations and events leading up to the transfer of sovereignty, providing the public with timely and critical information. His commitment to establishing Indonesia Raya shortly after independence underscores his dedication to fostering a free and independent press in the young republic.

International support for Indonesia Raya

Donation of Printing Equipment from Don Ramon Roces (Philippines)
After Mochtar Lubis’s release from prison in 1965, he received a significant donation of an eight-unit rotary printing press from Don Ramon Roces, a Filipino admirer of Lubis’s work. Roces was a prominent figure in publishing in the Philippines and supported Lubis’s commitment to journalistic freedom and investigative reporting. This donation helped revive Indonesia Raya after years of challenges, particularly during Sukarno’s presidency. https://storiesfromindonesia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/c0a46-rmpressfoundationofasia1989.pdf

Perceived Alignment with Western Interests

Lubis and Indonesia Raya were sometimes accused by critics of aligning with pro-U.S. or Western interests, especially in the context of Cold War politics. However, these accusations were primarily politically motivated, reflecting tensions over Indonesia’s non-aligned stance under Sukarno. Lubis consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that his work was grounded in a commitment to democratic values and press freedom. https://bumibebas.blogspot.com/2007/07/mochtar-lubis-crusading-journalist.html

Fiction

Mochtar Lubis’s fiction contained a courageous critique of power structures and a nuanced exploration of Indonesia’s post-independence identity.

Some Works

• Tidak Ada Esok (novel, 1951)
• Si Jamal dan Cerita-Cerita Lain (kumpulan cerpen, 1950)
• Teknik Mengarang (1951)
• Teknik Menulis Skenario Film (1952)
• Harta Karun (cerita anak, 1964)
• Tanah Gersang (novel, 1966)
• Senja di Jakarta (novel, 1970; diinggriskan Claire Holt dengan judul Twilight in Jakarta, 1963)
• Judar Bersaudara (cerita anak, 1971)
• Penyamun dalam Rimba (cerita anak, 1972)
• Manusia Indonesia (1977)
• Berkelana dalam Rimba (cerita anak, 1980)
• Kuli Kontrak (kumpulan cerpen, 1982)
• Bromocorah (kumpulan cerpen, 1983)

Journalism:

• Perlawatan ke Amerika Serikat (1951)
• Perkenalan di Asia Tenggara (1951)
• Catatan Korea (1951)
• Indonesia di Mata Dunia (1955)

Editor:

• Pelangi: 70 Tahun Sutan Takdir Alisyahbana (1979)
• Bunga Rampai Korupsi (bersama James C. Scott, 1984)
• Hati Nurani Melawan Kezaliman: Surat-Surat Bung Hatta kepada Presiden Soekarno (1986)

Translations:

• Tiga Cerita dari Negeri Dollar (kumpulan cerpen, John Steinbeck, Upton Sinclair, dan John Russel, 1950)
• Orang Kaya (novel F. Scott Fitgerald, 1950)
• Yakin (karya Irwin Shaw, 1950)
• Kisah-kisah dari Eropa (kumpulan cerpen, 1952)
• Cerita dari Tiongkok (terjemahan bersama Beb Vuyk dan S. Mundingsari, 1953)

Prominent Themes

1. Anti-Authoritarianism
   • Lubis was a staunch critic of authoritarian regimes, and his works often explored the abuse of power and the impact of dictatorship on society.
2. Corruption and Social Injustice
   • He highlighted the prevalence of corruption in Indonesian politics and its detrimental effect on ordinary people.
3. Individual Struggle Against Oppression
   • Many of his characters grapple with the moral and physical challenges of resisting oppression.
4. Cultural Identity and Nationalism
   • His works delved into the tension between traditional Indonesian values and the rapid modernization of the country.
5. Moral and Ethical Dilemmas
   • Lubis explored the inner conflicts of his characters as they navigated personal morality versus societal expectations.
6. Human Resilience and Suffering
   • His stories often depicted the suffering of individuals under harsh conditions, while emphasizing their capacity for resilience.
7. Nature and the Environment
   • Drawing from his Sumatran background, he frequently used vivid descriptions of Indonesia’s natural landscapes as metaphors for human emotions and societal issues.
8. Post-Colonial Critique
   • Lubis examined the lingering effects of Dutch colonization on Indonesia’s political and cultural systems.
9. Religious and Spiritual Reflections
   • His works often portrayed the interplay between religious beliefs and secular realities.
10. Urban-Rural Divide
    • He contrasted the struggles of rural communities with the urban elite, emphasizing inequality and cultural alienation.

Prominent Language Features

1. Realism
   • Lubis employed straightforward, unembellished prose to reflect the harsh realities of Indonesian life.
2. Journalistic Precision
   • His background in journalism influenced his writing style, which often featured detailed, factual descriptions.
3. Social Critique
   • His narratives were imbued with pointed criticisms of societal flaws, delivered through both dialogue and exposition.
4. Character-Driven Narratives
   • Lubis developed psychologically complex characters, emphasizing their internal conflicts and moral dilemmas.
5. Symbolism and Metaphor
   • He used symbols, such as landscapes and objects, to represent broader societal issues or emotional states.
6. Dialogue-Centric Storytelling
   • Conversations between characters often carried significant weight, revealing ideological clashes or personal struggles.
7. Somber and Reflective Tone
   • His works frequently adopted a serious tone, reflecting the gravity of the themes he tackled.
8. Blend of Traditional and Modern Influences
   • Lubis incorporated elements of traditional Indonesian storytelling, such as folklore, alongside modern narrative techniques.
9. Descriptive Imagery
   • Vivid depictions of Indonesia’s diverse geography and social environments added depth and atmosphere to his stories.
10. Moral Ambiguity
    • His characters and narratives often avoided clear-cut heroes or villains, highlighting the complexity of human behavior.

Short Bibliography

• Mochtar Lubis, Written by: David Hill Published: Jul 22, 2007
• Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Language, Literature, Education, and Culture, ICOLLEC 2023, 25-27 October 2023, Bali, Indonesia Research Article, The Discourse of Writing Press History: Mochtar Lubis’ Social Criticism and Editorials in Harian Indonesia Raya 1968–1974
• Journalism and Politics in Indonesia A Critical Biography of Mochtar Lubis (1922-2004) as Editor and Author By David T. Hill
• Bloody history behind Indonesian literary debate October 3, 1995 Issue 205
• https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harian_Indonesia_Raya
• https://idwriters.com/writers/mochtar-lubis/
• Orientalization of Nature in The German Translation of Mochtar Lubis’s Harimau-Harimau Prasuri Kuswarini*, Masdiana, Irma Nurul Husnal Chotimah Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia
• https://www.pen100archive.org/pen_stories/pen-case-1962-mochtar-lubis-indonesia-imprisoned/
• https://mochtarlubisaward.blogspot.com/

Language

• https://ejournal.unp.ac.id/index.php/ell/article/download/2409/2021
• https://eudl.eu/pdf/10.4108/eai.29-8-2019.2288982
• https://jurnal.untirta.ac.id/index.php/iclc/article/download/26524/pdf_223