Founded in 1974, Gramedia Pustaka Utama is a cornerstone of the Indonesian publishing industry, renowned for its commitment to education and promoting creative thinking through literature. With a catalog boasting over 30,000 titles, Gramedia has cemented its position as a leading publisher in Indonesia and beyond.
Wedha Stratesti Yudha, the International Project Manager at Gramedia International, shares insights into the company's journey, strengths and future aspirations. Having joined Kompas Gramedia Publisher 15 years ago as a junior editor, Wedha now manages relationships with international publishers, ensuring that Gramedia's offerings continue to meet global standards. She also serves as the Vice President for International Cooperation and Relations for the Indonesian Publishers Association.
A Legacy of Quality and Diversity
Gramedia's inception was marked by the publication of "Karmila" by Marga T., a fiction title that has seen over 20 reprints, and "Hanya Satu Bumi" by Barbara Ward and René Dubos, a non-fiction work on the human environment commissioned by the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Today, Gramedia comprises seven publishing houses, including Gramedia Pustaka Utama (GPU), Elex Media Komputindo, Grasindo, Kepustakaan Populer Gramedia (KPG), M&C, Bhuana Ilmu Populer (BIP) and Penerbit Buku Kompas. This diverse portfolio caters to various literary tastes, from children’s books to academic publications.
In collaboration with over 200 major publishers from countries such as the US, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Hong Kong, India, the UK, Italy, Japan, Germany, Canada, Malaysia and Switzerland, Gramedia is recognised as one of Indonesia's top publishers, highlighting its global reach.
Mission-Driven and Forward-Looking
Gramedia's mission is clear: "To Educate and Improve the Lives of Indonesians through Entertaining and Educational Reads". This drives their selection and production of books aimed at broadening horizons, enlightening minds and stimulating creative thinking. The commitment to quality is evident in their roster of respected authors, including Ahmad Tohari and Eka Kurniawan, and international icons such as JK Rowling, Malcolm Gladwell, and Dale Carnegie.
"The publishers just need to find the content and ways of producing books that are needed by the market. For example, we create a book with more illustration and less text when we want the young generation to read. Children’s books and novels might be the genre with the highest demand currently," says Wedha.
Navigating Digital Disruption and Long-Term Goals
The digital era has transformed content consumption, with readers turning to the internet and social media for information, preferring short, easily digestible texts. Wedha observes, "Books on DIY and 'how to' themes seem less popular right now because people can easily find them on the internet. Watching a tutorial about making something is easier and more practical than reading it in a book."
But despite continued digital disruption, Gramedia is adapting by exploring advanced technologies and artificial intelligence. Looking ahead, Gramedia aims to become the largest, most integrated and expansive publishing company in Southeast Asia, fostering an educated society that values diversity, justice and prosperity.
"Advanced technology and AI might be a threat as they make it much easier to reproduce and distribute content. So, we have to try our best to protect what we have. Our authors and their work are our most important priority along with gaining the trust of our readers," says Wedha.
With a network of over 120 stores throughout Indonesia and a robust publishing portfolio, Gramedia International, under the leadership of dedicated professionals like Wedha, the company is well-equipped to navigate the challenges of the digital era and remain a key player in the global publishing arena.
