The launch of Patrick Valdano Sarwom's novel “Segalanya Bermula dari Keluarga di Samping Kali Klamono (Everything Starts from a Family on the Klamono Riverbank)” was a deeply significant event. It not only marked the birth of a new literary work but also provided a moment of reflection on the importance of family as the foundation of life. Set against the backdrop of Papuan society, the novel explores its social, economic, and political dynamics, particularly the looming threat of military violence.
The
launch took place in the M. Soetopo Room at STPMD "APMD" Yogyakarta (Wednesday,
April 1, 2026). The event was attended by Dr. Sutoro Eko Yunanto, M.Si., Head
of STPMD "APMD"; Dr. Yuli Setyowati, M.Si., Head of the Communication
Studies Program; Fr. Agustinus Daryanto, S.J., the students’ Catholic priest;
and the Director of Stube HEMAT Yogyakarta. Opening remarks were delivered by
Dr. Sutoro, followed by additional speeches. The launch highlighted that
literature can serve as a powerful means of exposing social injustice and as a
weapon in the peaceful struggle for change.
The author cites the writings of Prof. Franz Magnis-Suseno, featured on the novel’s cover, which emphasize the values that must be upheld within the family—the fundamental foundation of society. The novel portrays the life of a family living on the Klamono Riverbank in Southwest Papua, where trauma and past wounds remain unspoken. Its main character, Nelson, is a child with big dreams, yet his aspirations are hindered by his mother’s unresolved trauma. Chapter by chapter, the story unfolds, showing how conflict begins, escalates, and ultimately ends in lasting regret. It is a compelling work, offering readers both an engaging narrative and a reflection on life that encourages greater wisdom.
Most
of the participants were students from various universities. They engaged
actively in the discussion by posing questions to the two speakers: the author
and Tri Agus Susanto, S.Pd., M.Si., the third deputy head of student affairs at
STPMD "APMD." The questions addressed a wide range of issues,
including the story’s background, trauma in Papua and the process of emotional
healing, militarism and special autonomy, social welfare funds, and corruption.
The interactive discussion reflected the participants’ enthusiasm and showed
that readers considered the novel highly relevant to social
realities—particularly in Papua, which continues to demand significant attention.
The novel Segalanya Bermula dari Keluarga di Samping Kali Klamono (Everything Starts from a Family on the Klamono Riverbanks) deserves recognition as an important contribution to local literature and as an inspiration for readers seeking to understand the roots of community life—particularly in Papua—from a family perspective. Congratulations to our Stube HEMAT colleague, Patrick Valdano Sarwom, on this remarkable achievement. ***
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