Full program announced for Ubud 2025

Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF) has announced the full line-up for its 2025 festival program, themed ‘Aham Brahmasmi: I Am The Universe’, which will run 30 October to 2 November 2025 in Ubud, Indonesia.

Australian speakers at the festival include journalists Antoinette Lattouf and Peter Greste, and authors Bella Li, Bri Lee, Brigid Delaney, Julia Baird, Clare Wright, Gail Jones, Gina Chick, Jazz Money, Lech Blaine, Mirandi Riwoe, Omar Musa, Aurora Liddle-Christie and Steph Harmon. Aotearoa New Zealand authors appearing include Zech Soakai and Saraid de Silva.

Among other international guests are 2025 International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq (India), 2024 International Booker Prize winner Jenny Erpenbeck (Germany), Irish Book Award–winning author Sinéad Gleeson, journalist and activist Shiori Itō (Japan), Belgian historian and archaeologist David Van Reybrouck, British writer William Dalrymple, Egyptian-Canadian writer Omar El Akkad, translator Deepa Bhasthi, and Thai writer and filmmaker Thammika Songkaeo.

Among local Indonesian speakers are the author and artist Emte, journalist Iyas Lawrence, author and screenwriter Ratih Kumala, author and activist Melati Wijsen, author Dee Lestari, author and sociologist Okky Madasari, poet Ray Shabir, and painter and photographer Mario Blanco.

UWRF founder and director Janet DeNeefe said: ‘From humble beginnings, the festival has grown into Southeast Asia’s most meaningful literary event, bringing people together from near and far. So, if you wish to meet fellow literary-minded folk, love a good story or performance, or are simply eager to learn more about Indonesia, then come to Ubud to experience the magic for which we are famous. For me, our festival has been life-changing, and it can be for you.’

The full program is available on the festival website.

Category: Festivals Local news