Agung Wijayanto Chin, known as Awi Chin, is a talented writer and poet born in Jakarta on November 12, 1991. With Chinese and Dayak Kalimantan roots, Awi brings a unique perspective to his work. Made his literary debut in 2020 with the novel Yang Tak Kunjung Usai, published by The Comma Books and Penerbit KPG, Awi explored issues and stories from Kalimantan. His writing is a reflection of his deep connection to his cultural background and his passion for storytelling. This work has resonated widely, earning him several national writing awards. In 2020, he was honored as an Emerging Writer at the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, marking him as a rising star in the literary world.
In 2023, Awi was selected for a prestigious writer’s residency in Sweden as part of the AIR Literature Västra Götaland – Gothenburg City of Literature program. His international recognition continued with the awarding of a Chevening Scholarship, enabling him to pursue a Master’s degree in Creative Writing at the University of Edinburgh.
Awi’s work often delves into themes of identity, people and heritage. His short story Lima Elemen Laksmi is a poignant spin-off from a larger work currently in progress. The story centers on Laksmi, a Balinese woman who loses her fiancé in the ocean just three days before their wedding. Through this narrative, Awi explores Laksmi’s journey through the five stages of grief, culminating in her acceptance of fate and rediscovery of her inner strength.
Awi believes in the power of stories to bridge cultures and bring to light the issues faced by marginalized communities. His writing not only entertains but also seeks to provoke thought and inspire change, particularly concerning the social challenges in Indonesia.
