Weaving Words into Works

A gentle evening breeze accompanied Fajry Annur, a student of Indonesian Language and Literature Education at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), as she walked toward the campus lake. She comfortably sat on the grass, gazing at the tranquil water, a sharp contrast to the usual midday crowd of students.

Her white bag was noticeably full. Along with her 14-inch laptop, she carried a few books on creative writing and literature. subjects that have become synonymous with her.

After greeting her, our conversation quickly turned to her bookish nature. “Ever since I was little my mother has introduced me to books. Although sometimes I don't finish reading them. Since highschool I’ve reads countless novels and short story collection,” she shared

From what we know, Fajry was drawn to writing since middle school, especially after reading a novel by Ario Muhammad, Islammu adalah Maharku, as well as films adapted from novels written by Asma Nadia. “I thought it was cool to become a skilled writer like Ario Muhammad and Asma Nadia. But to build my interest in writing, I started with poetry since it doesn’t require as many words as other types of writing.”

The daughter of Samsyarif and Siti Halijah admitted that at first, she lacked confidence to participate in poetry writing or recitation competitions, fearing failure, two words that often weighed on her mind.

“Alhamdulillah, I grew up in a family that always supported my love for writing. Slowly, I mustered the courage to test my abilities in competitions, though there were a few times I didn’t win,” Fajry said.

The eldest of two siblings, Fajry never gave up. For her, winning and losing are natural parts of competing. She firmly believes that if writing is her path, Allah will make it for her

Her early writing journey bore fruit in 2021, right in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic when Fajry won the poetry writing competition in the Festival of Indonesian Language and Literature at Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD), Yogyakarta.

Fajry's poems typically delve into the ins and outs of everyday life. Every word she selects is simple yet profound, avoiding overly complex language, making her work accessible and relatable to all. The poem below is written in bahasa Indonesia

Kalau sampai waktunya, kita ingin merayakan jadi mentari, nahasnya kita ditakdirkan jadi bintang kecil

Tapi, tak pernah pun salah jadi bintang, setidaknya kita paham rasanya berarti dan benderang bersama penuh hangat

Jikalau pun nanti sendiri tak apa, sebab kita jadi paling berarti di atas sana, di antara yang pergi kita bertahan penuh kasih

Kecil bukan berarti tak ada, sebab kita hanya terpandang megah oleh orang-orang yang mencintai kita

At that time, Fajry addressed the anxiety some people experience when they constantly compare their own journey and results with others. She emphasized that every creation of God has its own unique way of reaching its destiny.

The issue then becomes inspiration for Fajry to share the story. She wanted to convince the reader that they are stars destined to shine with their own unique brilliance

“Since winning that competition, I felt more challenged to sharpen my writing skills, and that’s when I started aiming to write novels,” she admitted. Fajry began actively seeking out writing workshops on Instagram to refine her abilities.

"A fragment of Fajry's poem, written while participating in the National Poetry Competition #PancasilaLahirBatin organized by PSBPS UMS. Instagram.com/fjryannurr.

“During high school, there was a media named Ruang Karya that offered a writing workshop with the benefit of having participants' works published as a book,” she recalled.

Without hesitation, Fajry signed up for the workshop, hoping to delve deeper into writing techniques and gain insights into the publishing world. After completing the workshop, Pelangi di Langit Senja (2021) came to life as her debut work. “I always try to start and develop story ideas from simple plots or characters. For instance, in this novel, I was inspired by the stories of people around me.”

It’s no surprise that Fajry decided to pursue her undergraduate studies in Indonesian Language and Literature Education at UMS in mid-2021. Despite knowing that her studies would also lead her into the field of education, she found this dual focus to be enriching.

“PBSI doesn't solely focus on learning Indonesian literature, and that’s what makes it interesting. I will become an educator, passing on the noble values of the Indonesian language to the next generation. That’s something I feel is missing in our current social interactions,” she explained.

At UMS, Fajry's writing talent continued to flourish. While still a freshman, she successfully published her second novel, Kamu dan Perayaan Kenangan (2022).

Fajry's second novel, published during her first semester at UMS.

Despite her skill in writing, Fajry often faces the challenge of writer's block. When that happens, she takes breaks, reads other authors' works, or spends time in nature to reignite her inspiration.

“Sometimes, I just need to step away, read a book I've never read before, or simply sit under a tree and let my mind wander,” added the seventh-semester student.

Recently, Fajry has also ventured into expanding her writing horizons by exploring essays based on Al Qur’an, a refreshing contrast to her fictional work.

“Writing essays, especially those based on Al Qur’an, requires more precision. It's not just about literacy but also a deep understanding of the interpretation and values within,” she noted.

Though challenging and seemingly difficult, Fajry sees this as an opportunity to enrich her knowledge and writing skills. Among the essays she has written, one of her most memorable was during the Qur'anic writing competition in Southeast Sulawesi, where she won first place at the 47th MTQ of Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi.

“It felt like a new chapter for me. The theme happened to be related to family, and I was tasked with studying the interpretation of Surah Luqman verses 13-15. It was a tough learning process, as I had to balance the creative and scientific aspects of writing,” Fajry explained.

Fajry is a dedicated figure in the Muhammadiyah organization, actively involved in both Ikatan Pelajar Muhammadiyah (IPM) and Ikatan Mahasiswa Muhammadiyah (IMM). Since her high school days and now in college, Fajry has held several important positions in these organizations.

In IPM, Fajry served as the Head of the Cadre Division in the Sulawesi Tenggara Regional Leadership from 2021 to 2023. As the leader of the cadre division, she directed various leadership programs aimed at nurturing young leaders in her region.

“Leading cadre programs is akin to shaping strong, visionary youth,” she explained. Fajry's commitment to guiding and fostering the younger generation became even more apparent when she continued her journey in IMM.

From 2022 to 2023, she was appointed as the Head of the Research and Scientific Development Division in the IPM UMS Comissariat. In this role, she was the driving force behind scientific discussions, writing workshops, and academic activities that supported the intellectual growth of IMM members. She was also involved in the Surakarta City IMM Branch Leadership as the Secretary of the Scientific Actualization and Mentorship Optimization Division.

“Being involved in organizations to train leadership is a choice. Some consider it necessary, while others think focusing solely on studies is better. For me, as long as being active in organizations doesn’t interfere with my studies, I’ll continue. Besides, when we start working, the skills from organizing will be useful,” Fajry shared her perspective.

Looking ahead, Fajry dreams of continuing to write and publish more works, both fiction and academic papers. For her, writing is a long journey that always offers space for learning and growth.

“If I could dream, I want to be a writer. That's why I have to stay consistent and disciplined in my craft. It would be great to be both a teacher and a writer because the impact would reach even further,” she shared with hope.

Fajry is deeply grateful for the unwavering support she has received from her favorite lecturer, Dipa Nugraha Suyitno, Ph.D., who teaches Creative Writing.

“After class, Mr. Dipa often calls me and fellow students. He usually gives us a topic or theme, and we are tasked with turning it into creative writing. Later, he reviews our work, ensuring it doesn’t stray off track,” Fajry said enthusiastically. She often takes advantage of these moments to ask him about how to stay consistent as a writer. 

“I frequently ask how to maintain consistency and discipline in writing, especially when it comes to finding and developing ideas. After all, those two things are the biggest challenges for any writer,” she continued.

The advice she receives serves as valuable guidance as she embarks on her long writing journey. Fajry hopes her work will touch the hearts and minds of many, just as she was once moved by the works she had read.

Writer: Genis Dwi Gustati

Editor: Al Habiib Josy Asheva

Designer: Salsabila Kamila Wardah

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid