Goenawan Mohamad

Date of Birth: July 29, 1941

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Biography

Goenawan Mohamad is an acclaimed Indonesian poet, essayist, and journalist, known for his profound contributions to Indonesian literature and media. Born in Batang, Central Java, Indonesia, Goenawan has been a significant cultural figure since the late 20th century. He co-founded the influential Indonesian news magazine Tempo in 1971, which has played a crucial role in Indonesian journalism. His literary works, including poetry and essays, often reflect on themes of democracy, human rights, and social justice. Goenawan’s writing is characterized by its lyrical quality and deep philosophical insights, making him a revered figure in both literary and intellectual circles.

5 Interesting Facts about Goenawan Mohamad

1. Goenawan Mohamad is one of the founding members of the Indonesian National Commission on Human Rights.

2. He received the Dan David Prize in 2006 for his contributions to social justice and journalism.

3. Goenawan is known for his weekly column “Catatan Pinggir” (Sidelines) in Tempo, which he wrote from 1977 until 2009.

4. He has translated the works of renowned poets like T.S. Eliot and Pablo Neruda into Indonesian.

5. Goenawan is also an accomplished playwright, having written several plays that have been performed internationally.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Goenawan Mohamad

1. “Literature is the memory of a society.”

2. “In a world full of noise, silence becomes our greatest companion.”

3. “Freedom is not a gift, but a struggle.”

4. “Art must transcend boundaries to touch the universal human experience.”

5. “To write is to reclaim one’s voice in the midst of chaos.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Goenawan Mohamad is estimated to be around $1 million, largely through his work in journalism, literature, and contributions to various cultural projects.

Children

Goenawan Mohamad has two children, a son named Hikmat Darmawan, who is a well-known writer and comic book critic, and a daughter named Sita Nursanti, who is a prominent Indonesian actress and singer.