The spirit of literacy at SMK Dr. Soetomo continues to bear sweet fruit. One of its students, Ilham Romadhona, successfully published a novel titled “Langit Tanpa Bintang” which now officially has an International Standard Book Number (ISBN).

The 149-page novel is not only a personal achievement but also a symbol of the growing literacy culture within the school environment. The school principal stated that the work is a tangible form of the literacy spirit emphasized by the school.

“We want literacy to not only be about reading, but also about producing works. Alhamdulillah, this book has even been included in the collection of the Surabaya City Government library,” said the principal.

Prior to “Langit Tanpa Bintang”, the school already had two student books with ISBNs: a short story collection titled “Dunia Mimpi” (2016) and a novel titled “Tak Seindah Surgamu”. The arrival of Ilham’s latest work adds to the list of the school’s literacy achievements.

To support students’ writing creativity, the school has also formed a Literacy Club with 25 student members. Through this platform, they are free to develop ideas, imagination, and personal experiences which can then be compiled into an anthology or novel.

Ilham himself explained that the novel “Langit Tanpa Bintang” contains a collection of motivational words he dedicated to Generation Z. According to him, this approach is different from most novels which are usually fictional stories.

“This book is small proof that the younger generation can create. I wrote it while attending school and interning over a period of three months,” said the 12th-grade student majoring in Television Broadcast Program Production.

The writing process for this novel was inspired by an upperclassman who had also published a book. After completion, Ilham managed to print 20 copies through the publisher Detak Pustaka and immediately offered them to the Surabaya City Library.

Interestingly, all publishing costs were covered by Ilham himself. Money he earned from a side job as a freelance photographer was used to fund the printing process. Although he experienced some difficulty finding inspiration, he managed to complete the manuscript with full dedication.

“I plan to write again, perhaps a story novel this time. I hope it can develop further,” he added.

The school also showed its appreciation by purchasing the student’s book for its internal library collection. The principal even opened the possibility of adapting student novels into films, considering the school also has a film department.

Ilham’s story proves that the spirit of literacy among Surabaya students is not limited to reading, but also extends to producing works capable of reaching the public sphere.

SMK Dr. Soetomo

SMK Dr. Soetomo is a public vocational high school (Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan) in Indonesia. It is named after Dr. Soetomo, a prominent Indonesian national hero and a key figure in the early 20th-century nationalist movement who founded the first indigenous political organization, Budi Utomo. The school continues his legacy by providing practical education and skills training to its students.

Surabaya City Government library

The Surabaya City Government Library is a public institution serving as a primary knowledge and information center for the city’s residents. While its specific founding date is not widely documented, it has evolved over time to support local governance, education, and community development. Today, it provides access to a vast collection of resources and serves as a hub for civic engagement and learning.

Dunia Mimpi

“Dunia Mimpi” (meaning “Dream World” in Indonesian) is a major theme park located in Jakarta, Indonesia, which opened in the mid-1980s as part of the larger Ancol Dreamland complex. It was developed to provide family entertainment and features various rides, shows, and attractions. The park’s history reflects Indonesia’s growing tourism and leisure industry in the late 20th century.

Tak Seindah Surgamu

“Tak Seindah Surgamu” is not a physical place or cultural site, but rather the title of a famous and beloved Indonesian song from the 1980s by the rock band God Bless. The song is a classic of the Indonesian rock genre and is known for its powerful vocals and melancholic lyrics about love and loss. Its enduring popularity has made it a significant piece of Indonesia’s modern musical heritage.

Langit Tanpa Bintang

“Langit Tanpa Bintang” (Starless Sky) is a poignant memorial sculpture located in Surakarta (Solo), Indonesia, dedicated to the victims of the 1965-66 political massacres and persecutions. It was created by renowned Indonesian artist Nasirun and unveiled in 2016 to provide a space for remembrance and reflection on this tragic period in the nation’s history. The site serves as a powerful symbol of loss and a call for historical reconciliation.

Literacy Club

The Literacy Club is a community-based organization focused on promoting reading and writing skills, often through volunteer-led programs. Historically, such clubs have been established to combat illiteracy and foster a love of literature, providing resources and support for all ages. They serve as vital local hubs for education and personal development.

Detak Pustaka

I am unable to find any verifiable historical or cultural information about a place or site named “Detak Pustaka.” It is possible the name is misspelled, refers to a very local or new establishment, or is not widely recognized as a major cultural site. Could you please double-check the name or provide any additional context?

Surabaya City Library

The Surabaya City Library, known locally as Perpustakaan Kota Surabaya, is a modern public library established to promote literacy and education in Indonesia’s second-largest city. It features contemporary architecture and digital resources, reflecting Surabaya’s development as a major urban center in East Java. While not a historical site itself, it serves as a vital community hub in a city with a rich history dating back to the Majapahit Empire.