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Percikan Revolusi Subuh
It has long been a question why the '45 generation, which was shaped by the arrival of the Japanese in Indonesia in 1942 and the subsequent revolution and war with the Dutch, has not produced a great novel. This is simply yet to come, and understandably so. Their strength lies, for now, in short stories and compact poems, imbued with sharp vision that prevents them from drifting aimlessly, even when faced with vast spaces of possibility. Focus and essence are key. Furthermore, there is little time for lengthy writing. The real question for the future is whether this vision, rooted in the depths of creative power and sustained breath, is enough to awaken a significant creation. This is a challenge we can’t doubt the outcome of, especially when considering the quality of the short stories available today.
This collection of short stories by Pramoedya Ananta Toer embodies these characteristics. While it may not consist of a single lengthy narrative, it paints a comprehensive picture of life during the struggles and sufferings of the past decade. It reflects the vision of the revolutionary author and hopefully serves as a source of inspiration for other writers as well.
—H.B. Jassin, in his introduction.
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