Prof. Melani Budianta, M.A., Ph.D., Professor of the Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Indonesia, Recipient of the Cendekiawan Berprestasi 2025 Award Prof. Melani Budianta, M.A., Ph.D. a Professor at the Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Indonesia (FIB UI), and English Studies Program lecturer, is not only recognized as a literary expert but also as an intellectual activist who consistently uses her knowledge to voice those who are often marginalized.
The Cendekiawan Berprestasi 2025 Award was presented by Kompas Daily to Prof. Melani Budianta, M.A., who shared her views through several literary works. This award is a recognition of her long and quiet dedication. She serves as a reminder that the sincerest voices are often not heard loudly, yet they have the power to stir the nation’s conscience.
As an academic who studies literature, gender, and postcolonial studies, Melani Budianta believes that literature has a strategic role in building shared imagination and collective consciousness, especially in a pluralistic society like Indonesia. She believes that the ability to imagine and live in diversity is fundamental to maintaining the integrity of the nation. Through literature, she highlights social injustices and voices the suffering of groups that are often ignored by the authorities.
One of her most memorable contributions is her role in establishing Suara Ibu Peduli, a women’s movement that emerged in the midst of the economic and political crisis leading up to the 1998 Reformation. Their “Politik Susu” action became a symbol of resistance to economic policies that tormented women and children. This movement is a clear example of how an academic can play a direct role in social change.
Melani Budianta is not someone who seeks the spotlight. She speaks from silence-from classrooms, writings, and scientific forums-but her voice is clear, firm, and meaningful. She reminds the nation of the importance of maintaining collective memory through oral traditions, manuscripts, and performing arts as a means of strengthening togetherness.
The Kompas Cendekiawan Berprestasi Award is an award initiated by Jakob Oetama in 2008, which is given specifically to scientists who are dedicated to serving the interests of society through their expertise. The selected scholars have shared their ideas, concepts, and innovations through articles and columns in various media, thereby playing an educational role in society, providing critical insights that help address contemporary issues in Indonesia.
This Kompas award is a form of appreciation for the dedication, perseverance, and commitment of scientists, which is hoped to serve as an incentive for them to continue being a “beacon of knowledge” who dare to speak out, examine, and study democracy, while upholding proper conduct and noble goals for the progress of Indonesia. (RMRW)
