The growth of the creative industry is estimated to be significantly high, about 7% per year and this encourages Studio Geometry, an independent publisher to come up with a book entitled We Indonesians Rule.
This coffee table book is filled with 32 creative industry figures, whose works have been known not only in Indonesia but also internationally. Alvin Tjitrowirjo, Leonard Theosabrata, Tex Saverio, White Shoes and the Couples Company, Eko Nugroho are some of the names that are featured in the book.
We Indonesians Rule book editor, Primo Rizky said, “We see that the potential of the creative industry in Indonesia is huge, but unfortunately people in Indonesia do not realize the strength as much as the international public. Much appreciation to the creative industry in Indonesia comes from abroad.”
Furthermore, Alvin Tjitrowirjo, a product designer said, “It is important to share the journey of the creative people in Indonesia, the challenges and complexity of the industry, and the market. These stories can be used to give creative inspiration for young generation and also as an input to the government and the industry to improve the condition of the creative industry in Indonesia.” He also hopes that the title of this book can be a part of the mentality of the nation in the future.
Mouly Surya, the director and scriptwriter of “What They Don’t Talk About When They Talk About Love”, a movie released in 2013, said: “There has been a view that watching Indonesian movies is considered not cool, but that’s not true. Indonesian movies can be good movies that’s worth watching,” This is what Mouly is trying to say through her work and through this book. She has gained numerous appreciations, including screenings in the Sundance Film Festival and International Film Festival Rotterdam.
We Indonesians Rule is a bestseller in bookstores such as Ak’.sa.ra. Not only that, We Indonesians Rule has become one of the collections in the National Library of Australia (NLA).
Part of the book sales will be donated to YCAB Foundation. Studio Geometry plan to publish the next volume of We Indonesians Rule periodically in the years to come as a comprehensive documentation for the development of the creative industry in Indonesia.
“It is very difficult for underprivileged youths to get a good education. With this book, we hope to not only inspire people but also to help youths and children to achieve their dreams,” said Anton Suwoto, Chief Strategy Officer, YCAB Foundation.