Literature is one of the oldest human products of creativity. Either in the form of port, fiction, or even stories of real events. All literature came from great and talented individuals in their respected area of expertise.
Papua, as one of the biggest islands in Indonesia and has a significant population, Papua is just a matter of time for the talent in the world of writing to come out. Igir Al Qatiri became famous for his work, Menelusuri Jejak Langkah Sang Legenda Black Brothers.
But, his early life is so different from a writer’s life. Here is the story of his early life, and he became one of the famous writers from Indonesia.
Early Life and Hardships
Born in Jayapura on May, 27th 1975, his parents named him Irham Muchsin Al Qatari. His parents raised him to be a strong and responsible man because his father told him that when he was gone, Irham would be the one who would take care of the family.
From his early years in grade school, Irham showed his interest in writing. He wrote a love letter with a poet in it. He then always writes every time he has spare time between studying.
Senior high school became a turning point in his life. He works as an electrician to help his family in his first year.
His father works odd jobs and does not have a steady income. Even though he has an older sister, he decided to be the money maker. That motivation became bigger when his father died in 2007.
A Big Name in Electrician Industries
Although he only graduated from high school, his boss acknowledged him as the best electrician. But his popularity is in a different name. Because his boss can’t say the letter r, being a Chinese man, he is called Ilham by his colleagues and clients.
His works include making and maintaining electricity in buildings, mosques, schools, and significant buildings around Jayapura City. Even some of the electricity systems in government buildings are his hard work.
But, even though he is busy with work, his passion for writing is still burning. He always writes in his spare time, even if it means waking up pretty late. His effort finally paid off when his books were published for the first time.
His Works and The Book With Controversy
Ilham decided to change his pen name to Igir Al Qatiri. He became Papua’s first poet and novelist. He wrote poetry anthologies and novels between his works as an electrician.
Some of his works are still in progress. But, his books have become famous because of his unique writing style and the topics he raises in every anthology and novel. Here are some of the titles he has written so far.
- Retak-Retak Cinta (Novelite)
- Cinta dan Airmata (Novel)
- Airmata di Hati gersang (Novel)
- Cinta Bergerimis Dusta (Novel)
- Lonceng Kematian (Novel)
- Tuhan Bagi Jiwa yang Hilang (Poetry Anthology)
- Habis Gelap Reduplah terang (Poetry Anthology)
- Doktrin-doktrin Penyejuk Jiwa (Word of Wisdom Anthology)
- Menyusuri Jejak Langkah Sang Legenda Black Brothers (Biography)
- Festival Perasaan (Poetry Anthology)
- Potret Buram Seniman Papua (Poetry Anthology)
- Ingin (Poetry Anthology)
But, his work that attracts controversies is his biography about a famous band, Black Brothers. This book triggers a movement to bring back the group to Indonesia again after the discussions of their song.
After that, Igris continued to write books and become one of the respected writers in Indonesia. In one of his interviews, he said that Kahlil Gibran inspired his writing style. He wants to write about social life in Papua and his stand on that matter.
He helped other Papua writers grow by establishing Pilamo Aksara in 2016. He wants this organization as a hub for Papuan writers to develop their wings. So their voice can be heard from their writings.
