Pramoedya Ananta Toer (1925– )

Indonesian novelist. His books, written in everyday Javanese and in a rich prose, depict rural Javanese life and culture under Dutch rule and during the Revolution. In 1962 he joined communist-sponsored cultural groups and during the suppression of communist supporters in 1965 was imprisoned until 1980. During this time he wrote four historical novels, two of which (Bumi manusia/This Earth of Mankind and Anak semus bangsa/Child of All Nations) were banned in Indonesia. Later works include the multivolume Buru Quartet (1980–88), about the rise of post-colonial Indonesian nationalism.

In 1945 he joined the nationalists fighting against Dutch colonial rule, broadcast on Voice of Free Indonesia, and produced an Indonesian-language magazine before being arrested by the Dutch in July 1947. He was jailed for two years during which time he wrote his first novel, Perburuan/The Fugitive. After independence he wrote a number of novels and short stories with political themes.