Forum, Ealing

Forum Lingkar Pena (FLP, translated as Pen Circle Forum) is a transnational writers' collective based in Indonesia. Established by sisters Helvy Tiana Rosa and Asma Nadia in 1997, FLP grew rapidly through advertisements in the magazine Annida, with chapters in 23 Indonesian provinces and 8 foreign countries by 2008. FLP distinguished itself from contemporary Indonesian literary movements by focusing on predominantly Islamic themes, positioning itself not only as a forum for supporting new writers but also as a vehicle for dakwah (proselytization). Although several works have been popular, the collective has generally been ignored by the Indonesian literary canon. FLP is organizationally divided into four levels, from the central administrative body through school- and university-level chapters. Members are predominantly young Muslim women enrolled in university, though a range of occupations are represented. They produce a variety of media, both fiction and non-fiction, which have included novels, short stories, and screenplays. Most works are published through smaller media that focus on Islam, though some works have been picked up by larger publishing houses.