(copyright by Mai White)
As an educator and literature enthusiast from Australia, I was deeply honoured to participate in the international book discussion of Sakti, a trilingual poetry collection by Indonesian poet Sastri Bakry. Held on August 1st and attended by around 40 participants from various corners of the world, the event was true evidence to the unifying power of literature. With poems translated into English and Spanish, Sakti opened a space where voices from Puerto Rico, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Australia met in thoughtful dialogue. Organised by SatuPena Sumbar, in collaboration with the International Minangkabau Literacy Festival and the World Poetry Movement, the discussion featured prominent figures including Luz María López, Aminur Rahman, Professor Ismet Fanany, and Zamawi Imron. Under the skilful moderation of Siska Saputri, the session offered insights not only into the poetic artistry of Sastri Bakry, but also into the shared emotional and cultural threads that run through human experience across continents. As a participant, I found myself both enriched and inspired by the depth of perspectives exchanged and reminded of the essential role literature plays in fostering empathy, connection, and global understanding.
The poster highlights an exciting international literary event—a book discussion on SAKTI, a trilingual poetry collection by Sastri Bakry, published in Indonesian, English, and Spanish. This unique gathering brings together celebrated poets and translators from around the world under the banner of SatuPena Sumbar, International Minangkabau Literacy Festival, and World Poetry Movement (WPM). Featured speakers include Luz María López from Puerto Rico, a renowned poet and translator; Aminur Rahman, a poet and literary consultant from Bangladesh; Professor Ismet Fanany from Australia, a respected translator and academic; and Zamawi Imron, a well-known poet from Indonesia. Their presence underscores the global resonance and literary depth of Sakti, a work that bridges cultures and languages through poetry. The event is moderated by Siska Saputri, who facilitates this dynamic discussion with warmth and professionalism. Taking place on Friday, August 1st, the session is carefully timed to accommodate global participants: 9 AM in Indonesia, 8 AM in Bangladesh, 10 PM in Puerto Rico, and 12 PM in Australia. This multilingual event not only celebrates Sastri Bakry’s poetic voice but also emphasizes the universality of literature and the shared human experiences that connect us all, no matter where we are in the world.
Leni Marlina, author of L-BEAUMANITY, shared her heartfelt reflections on the profound connection she feels through poetry—a force she believes unites people across cultures and continents. She spoke with awe about how a poetic masterpiece from West Sumatra can deeply resonate with others abroad, without the need for prior meetings, agreements, or formal conferences. This, to her, is the true magic and universality of art. Leni also expressed her personal fascination with symbolism, referencing traditional cultural motifs such as the pandan mat, which carry layered meanings in both daily life and literary expression. Through the insights of Professor Ismat Fanani, she came to more fully appreciate the poet Sastri—not only for the emotional and artistic depth of her poems, but also for the quiet resilience they reveal: the strength to face hardship, endure bitterness, and still embrace life’s sweetness. Sastri’s work, Leni observed, holds a power that speaks to shared human experience and can easily be placed in conversation with the works of poets around the world. In closing, she warmly thanked Mrs. Iska, extended her admiration to fellow writers like Aminur and Luz María López, and acknowledged the global circle of remarkable poets who continue to inspire and uplift through their words.
Siska Saputri warmly expressed gratitude to Ms. Lina for her thoughtful contributions during the lecture session, acknowledging her as one of the best speakers and praising the insightful comments she had shared. Though she noted the absence of a professor they had hoped would join, she appreciated the gifts of wisdom already exchanged, particularly Professor Ismet Fanani’s enlightening presentation. Siska gracefully moderated the session, encouraging comments and participation while gently transitioning toward closing remarks. Professor Ismet Fanani, though briefly away due to the realities of working from home, returned to share a deeply thoughtful reflection. He emphasized the universal themes found in Sastri’s poetry, particularly the emotional complexity of the mother-child relationship—a theme that transcends cultural boundaries. He reflected on how love, even when expressed through strictness or discipline, resonates in many parts of the world as a form of deep care. Citing two of Sastri’s poems, he appreciated the way they highlight shared human experiences, regardless of geography or background. Professor Fanani suggested that these universal dimensions could be further explored, possibly in a book that conducts cross-cultural comparisons, examining how poets across the globe articulate common truths about life, love, and identity. He concluded with heartfelt praise, affirming that Sastri’s work contributes meaningfully to the global literary dialogue, and thanked Siska for allowing him the opportunity to express his thoughts.
During the continuation of the session, Siska Saputri warmly addressed Bundo and checked in to ensure everyone was still present, acknowledging the presence of Fahidra Idris. Sastri Bakry, representing SatuPena Sumbar, affirmed her presence from the central region and added that they were joined together in spirit and purpose. She shared that she had heard about Bufahiral’s meaningful contribution, possibly relating to literature or poetry, and expressed admiration for the extraordinary collaboration unfolding. Her closing note, delivered with warmth, highlighted the beauty and strength of unity in literature—”dengan saktra,” with literature—as something truly remarkable. As the session came to a close, Siska Saputri extended heartfelt thanks to everyone for their active engagement—from the audience to the reviewers—expressing appreciation for the lively participation and thoughtful contributions. She humbly apologized for any mistakes she may have made in her role as moderator and graciously thanked all attendees for making the meeting a success. With a warm farewell, she formally ended the session. Professor Ismet Fanany, along with several other participants including Sumbar Talenta, Nanik Muis, and others, echoed their gratitude and goodbyes, creating a friendly and appreciative atmosphere that reflected the spirit of collaboration and shared learning throughout the meeting.
Dr. Hj. Sastri Yunizarti Bakry, M.Si
Dr. Hj. Sastri Yunizarti Bakry, M.Si., born on June 20, 1958, in Pariaman, West Sumatra, is a distinguished Indonesian poet, novelist, activist, and bureaucrat with deep roots in the Minangkabau cultural tradition. Her career spans across literature, public service, and international cultural diplomacy. She is widely recognized for her contributions to the development of Indonesian and Southeast Asian literature, particularly as a passionate advocate for women writers and regional literacy movements.
Sastri began her writing journey during her middle school years, with her early works appearing in various West Sumatran publications such as Haluan, Singgalang, Semangat, Canang, and Padang Ekspres. Since then, she has authored and co-authored dozens of books, including Perempuan dalam Perempuan, Perempuan Sumatera Barat, Ilmu dan Teknologi, Ungu Pernikahan, and Kekuatan Cinta, the latter of which has been adapted into a feature film with both Indonesian and Malaysian stars.
Her best-selling novels such as Kekuatan Cinta (The Power of Love) and Sedikit di Atas Cinta (A Little Above Love) have received wide acclaim, with the latter featured as an inspirational work on Indonesia’s Kick Andy talk show in 2016. Her work has been translated into numerous languages, including English, Russian, Arabic, Turkish, Tamil, Bangla, and Chinese. Several of her poems have been set to music and won national awards.
Throughout her career, Sastri has held influential roles, including Secretary of the Padang Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), and Inspector at the Ministry of Home Affairs. She also serves as Chairperson of SatuPena West Sumatra, CEO of the International Minangkabau Literacy Festival (IMLF), and Vice President of Wanita Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam (Women of the Malay Islamic World) based in Melaka, Malaysia. She is also the founder of Sumbar Talenta and Teras Talenta Reading House.
Her international recognition includes awards such as the Srikandi Tun Fatimah (Malaysia, 2007), Srikandi Numera (Malaysia, 2016), Anugrah Tokoh Budaya Nusantara (Indonesia, 2023), the Kathak Literary Award (Bangladesh, 2024), the Diploma from the World Poetry Movement (Russia, 2024), and the ISISAR Peace Award (2025). She has represented Indonesia in literary forums in Spain, Algeria, Zimbabwe, Germany, Singapore, Croatia, The Netherlands, Turkey, and India, among others.
Sastri is also the driving force behind the International Minangkabau Literacy Festival (IMLF), a major cultural and literary event hosted annually in West Sumatra. As Chairperson of IMLF, she has helped transform the festival into a global platform connecting Minangkabau literature to the world. Since its inception in 2023, IMLF has brought together writers, poets, artists, and scholars from over 20 countries. The event showcases Minangkabau’s rich heritage through poetry readings, cultural panels, book launches, and international collaborations, making it a beacon for cultural diplomacy and literary excellence.
Sastri’s life is a vibrant blend of artistry and activism. Whether through her poetry, her speeches, or her work in government and education, she consistently advocates for the power of words, cultural identity, and social justice. Currently residing in Padang, she continues to write, speak, and inspire, with a mission to make literacy not only a personal right but a collective cultural force that shapes the future of Indonesia and the world.
Sastri Bakry
Gift Bomb for Little Girl
My eyes behold the carnage,
Limbs scattered, head buried,
An arm here, a leg there,
Eyeballs defiant, bodies torn,
Blood congeals, rage boils,
If on the other side,
We can only curse,
words with words
Praying silently,
who will aid?
Medical teams powerless,
Have we ever imagined?
Israel drops bombs, 907 kg each,
Like a child at play, joyful,
The attack on al-Tabi’in school,
Unutterable, victims mount,
From dawn till dusk, al-Ahli Hospital,
Struggles to heal the wounds,
Do we still have hearts?
If our conscience is hidden,
The dawn attack, a red sign,
Martyrs bow in prayer.
Padang, Februari 2025
Silent Screams
In silent streets,
screams resound,
From wounded hearts, tormented souls,
Roaring without clarity,
Injustice reigns,
a shadow cast,
Falling on steel,
it begins with pride,
Overshadowing life, haunting each step,
Until when?
Behind patience, anger burns,
From the oppressed, the forgotten,
Injustice separates, divides, destroys,
Leaving deep wounds, gaping sorrow,
Yet hope remains, a spark in darkness,
From the brave, the resistant,
Those who speak out, who fight,
No longer vague in fear,
Justice and equality,
for all, without exception,
For the heart still burns,
for justice still shines.
Padang, Mei 2025
I love reading you news, my multitalented poet friend, May. Thank you for sharing the Fabolous work.