Young Australian, and Indonesian-language student, Nicholas Mark, will launch a book of children’s fantasy stories in Yogyakarta this Tuesday, 24 July 2012, demonstrating the value of Asian-literacy in forming stronger people-to-people relationships with Indonesia.

Nicholas’ book, titled Petualangan Anak Indonesia, or The Indoventurers, is written in Indonesian and features three short mythical tales exploring the breadth and depth of Indonesia’s rich natural beauty and mystery through the eyes of four young adventurers. Set in Bali, Sumatra and Java, the full- colour, 56-page book, is brought to life with illustrations by an artist from Yogyakarta, Bambang Shakuntala. They have been working on this project together for over two and a half years.

Nicholas, a 24 year old Australian university law student, developed a passion for Indonesia after studying the language at school, the University of Sydney, and during an exchange program run by the Australian Consortium for In-Country Indonesian Studies (ACICIS). Nicholas says that he was encouraged to write the book by his Indonesian language teachers and lecturers.

The successful publication of the book in Indonesia demonstrates how learning Indonesian language can provide unique opportunities for young Australians in that country. Nicholas says: “I never thought I would get a chance to publish a book by the age of 24. I am very excited that my Indonesian language skills have created such a great opportunity.”

Petualangan Anak Indonesia will be published by Galangpress and will be available in major bookstores across Indonesia. The book launch will take place on Tuesday 24 July 2012 at the Realia Language and Culture Centre, Pandega Marta V/6, Pogung Utara, Yogyakarta. Nicholas will appear on RRI Pro 2 (Yogyakarta, 102.5) radio station’s ‘Book Corner’ program on Wednesday 25 July 2012, at 7:30pm.

For more information, see the book’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PetualanganAnakIndonesia. The author will be available for interview in Yogyakarta from the 19th-25th of July, and Jakarta on the 26th-27th of July.