By ISNA MARIFA
Mountains More Ancient
(Kabar Media 2022)
“Isna Marifa has extended the geographical and emotional reach of the modern Indonesian novel. The result is an original and captivating story that has launched the career of a new and promising literary voice.”
It is 1751, and nine-year-old Wulan finds herself half a world away from her home in Java: torn from her adored grandparents, her chattering cousins, the sounds and smells of the landscape that she loves. She and her father, Parto, are enslaved on a Cape Colony farmstead, with little hope of returning home. In this new world they hold fast to their Javanese identity and beliefs while, through their shared suffering, they forge bonds with the multicultural community whose descendants would come to be known as the Cape Malays.
susan ruddy
Penjor of Bali
(Kabar Media 2023)
In Penjor of Bali, Susan Ruddy invites us on a vivid exploration of Bali’s rich cultural tapestry, through the island’s evocative ritual decoration: the penjor. These intricately ornate bamboo poles are emblematic of the island’s spiritual life — but what exactly do they symbolize, and what hidden meanings can be found in their various styles?
Brimming with evocative photography and illustrations, Penjor of Bali offers us a unique encounter with the traditions and beliefs of an island deeply connected with nature and the divine. Ruddy’s very personal narrative demonstrates that the penjor, more than just an object, is a living testament to Bali’s unique culture and unwavering reverence for the beauty of life’s grand symphony. A must-read for cultural enthusiasts and travel lovers alike.
By TARIQ KHALIL
Retronesia
The Years of Building Dangerously (Kabar Media 2018)
“A sophisticated architectural “coffee table book” that works more like a snapshot of a larger project to write a social history.” New Mandala
“Like biting into a durian: Indonesia’s weird architecture of the ’50s and ’60s.” The Sydney Morning Herald
Other Books
The Banda Islands
An anthology of art, photography, travelogue and fiction inspired by Indonesia's storied Spice Islands.
Buku Kuku-Ku
Part memoir, part fantasy, a story of the land of Dasuatika and a lonely prince's quest to find his lost father.
The Little Star
Why does the little star find it so hard to shine? To fulfil his destiny and find his power, he must learn that the 'why' is just as important as the 'how'.

STORIES THAT CONNECT
Kabar Media
Kabar Media is a publishing and communications firm based in Indonesia. The company was founded in 2005 with the vision of creating high-quality, visually appealing publications that share engaging stories of people and places.
We develop and execute communication campaign strategies, coordinate and design events, and produce videos and print publications.
Our in-house editing and design team works closely with clients and individuals to craft their stories, collaborating with writers, photographers, filmmakers, artists, and illustrators to develop the best medium for bringing each story to life.
Publishing & Communication Services
For Authors
Whether you have a finished manuscript or a work-in-progress, we can advise you on the decisions needed to print, distribute, and market your work
For Organisations
The story is the strategy: both defining and expressing the organisation’s identity, sharing stories of success or aligning the brand with quality content.
Content Development
From draft to publication, from script to screen: we develop concepts, conduct research and interviews, and carefully craft the final text
Our group has collaborated with them over many years on a variety of communication projects, including the video profile Innovative Developments in 2012. We have found them to be professional collaborators, understanding our objectives, responsive to our needs, and exhibiting a personal commitment to the success of each project.
- Ciputra Group
It's always a pleasure to work with Avi and his team. From the beginning, they've had a deep understanding of the issues at stake in ASEAN and of our values as an organisation. They are enthusiastic and insightful, helping us to create materials that draw awareness and attention to our work and make it accessible for a general audience.
- ERIA
We were satisfied both with the results produced and with the experience of working with Avi and his team. Their dedicated and professional approach, their spirit of collaboration, and the degree to which they were also invested in the success of this project instilled confidence from the beginning.
- ASEAN Secretariat
To Schedule an Author Event:
events@kabarmedia.com
For Writers & Photographers:
authors@kabarmedia.com
For Organisations:
corporate@kabarmedia.com