Writer, Tempo Founder Goenawan Mohamad Receives Honor from Spain's King Felipe VI

March 19, 2025 | 02:44 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tempo founder and writer Goenawan Mohamad has been honored with the Official Cross of the Order of Real Orden de Isabel la Católica or Order of Isabella the Catholic by Spain’s King Felipe VI.

The award was formally presented by Spanish Ambassador to Indonesia, Francisco de Ass Aguilera Aranda.  

Aranda stated that the recognition was given in appreciation of Goenawan’s contributions to society and his role in strengthening ties between Indonesia and Spain.  

"He has deeply engaged with global literary traditions, including Spanish literature," Aranda remarked at the Spanish Embassy's official residence in South Jakarta on Tuesday night, March 18, 2025.

Aranda mentioned that Goenawan's works encompass universal themes of justice, idealism, and struggle. Aranda even likened Goenawan to the character of the famous Spanish novelist Miguel de Cervantes' novel Don Quixote.

"Similar to Cervantes' knight-errant challenging the rigid conventions of his time, Goenawan consistently uses his voice to question authority and advocate for truth," stated Aranda.

As a translator and critic, Aranda expressed that Goenawan has introduced Spanish literature to Indonesian readers. According to him, Goenawan also possesses the intellectual curiosity akin to the great Spanish writers of the Golden Age, such as Francisco de Quevedo, Pedro Caldern de la Barca, and Cervantes.

Furthermore, Aranda elaborated that Goenawan's humanistic nature and his ability to connect with everyday struggles align with the works of Spanish literary and philosophical thinkers: from the existential reflections of Miguel de Unamuno to the social critiques of Federico Garcia Lorca.

According to Aranda, Goenawan's ability to foster critical and creative thinking makes his legacy valuable worldwide, including in Spain, where intellectual freedom and artistic expression have long been cherished ideals.

Not stopping there, Aranda declared that Goenawan Mohamad's works embody the spirit of Cervantes' Don Quixote, which entails a relentless pursuit of ideals, resistance against oppression, and a belief in the transformative power of words.

"His writings remind us that literature and journalism are not just recording instruments, but forces capable of shaping society and inspiring change," said Aranda.

At the same event, Goenawan Mohamad expressed his joy at receiving the award from Spain. He also voiced his support for foreign cultural centers in Indonesia, emphasizing their role as platforms for exchanging ideas.

"Indonesia must not shut itself off. This has always been a challenge for the country. If we close our doors, we will wither," he stated.

Goenawan conceptualized the puppet theater performance Den Kisot, directed by Endo Suanda and inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quijote de La Mancha.

Resembling traditional wayang golek puppetry, the performance was initially created for the Don Quijote Festival on July 13, 2019, at Galeri Salihara, Jakarta. The festival commemorated the launch of the Indonesian translation of Don Quixote on July 14, 2019, at the Salihara Community.

Born on July 29, 1941, in Batang, Central Java, Goenawan has built a distinguished literary career. His works include poetry collections such as Parikesit (1971) and Asmaradana (1992).

Beyond poetry, he has also written thought-provoking essays that spark critical discussions on Indonesian culture and politics.

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