Khabarovsk — The BRICS Literature Award 2025 marked a turning point in the cultural landscape of the Global South. On November 30, two names were announced: Salwa Bakr of Egypt, honored as the main laureate, and Denny JA of Indonesia, awarded the Special Prize for Innovation in Literature. Together, they embody both the strength of tradition and the courage of invention.
From a philosophical editorial perspective, the award is more than recognition. It is a declaration that literature can serve as a counterbalance to the dominance of Western institutions. Salwa Bakr, with her novels The Golden Chariot and The Man from Bashmour, represents the voice of the marginalized, illuminating the struggles of women and the poor. Her victory is not only personal but symbolic — a reminder that literature is a candle in the darkness of social exclusion.
Meanwhile, Denny JA’s innovation of the “essay poem” genre reflects the creative power of Southeast Asia. By blending poetry, narrative, and social fact, he has created a new form that transcends boundaries. The BRICS jury recognized this as a long‑term contribution, placing Indonesia on the global map of literary innovation.
The editorial narrative emphasizes that awards are not merely about winners. They are about what humanity chooses to value. Salwa Bakr represents continuity, while Denny JA represents disruption. Together, they form two pillars: quality of work and courage of form.
Ultimately, the BRICS Literature Award 2025 is not just about literature. It is about the philosophy of inclusion, the courage to honor voices from the Global South, and the belief that art can unite humanity beyond borders, languages, and ideologies.
