Rosidayati Rozalina, founder of Mekar Cipta Lestari (MCL) Publisher, brings a unique blend of banking expertise and publishing experience to her role. Growing up in a family of publishers, with the publishing company PT Remaja Rosda Karya as a foundation, Rozalina has always understood the significant role literature plays in cultural understanding and education.
“I think literature plays a very important role in promoting cultural understanding and education. We can learn a lot about our culture and other people’s cultures through literary books,” Rozalina shared. After years in banking, where she honed her skills in marketing and management, Rozalina transitioned to publishing, founding MCL in 2020. “Publishing is not just a profession for me; it's part of my late father's legacy. Having the freedom to publish books across various genres has always been my dream,” she explained.
MCL stands out for its commitment to publishing high-quality books across genres, from academic works to fiction. Rozalina’s vision extends beyond Indonesia, aiming to reach a global audience. MCL’s diverse catalogue reflects this mission, with an emphasis on inclusivity and voices from various backgrounds.
The company’s first book, Siri', showcases the experiences of a female author from Eastern Indonesia, tackling themes like interracial marriage, LGBTQ+ issues and polygamy. This focus on underrepresented perspectives is a hallmark of MCL’s publishing strategy. “In Indonesia, most famous writers are usually men or women from Java. There are not many female writers from Eastern Indonesia,” Rozalina explained.
MCL also champions new and emerging authors, with 90% of its publications coming from debut writers. This dedication to nurturing fresh talent ensures that MCL remains innovative and dynamic.
Rozalina’s involvement in the Indonesian Publishers Association (IKAPI) and the International Publishers Congress underscores her commitment to the industry. Her leadership in organising the IPA Congress 2022 in Jakarta and her advocacy for Indonesian literature on the global stage highlight her dedication to promoting cultural understanding through publishing.
Despite challenges like the global pandemic, Rozalina remains optimistic about the future. She believes that the publishing industry will thrive by adapting to technological advancements and changes in consumer behaviour. Collaboration with other creative industries will also be key to developing compelling content.
Rozalina’s vision for MCL is clear: to create books that resonate with readers worldwide and across generations. Her journey from banking to publishing reflects a deep passion for literature and a commitment to diversity and innovation.
