The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF) 2026 has announced its full program, featuring over 100 separate events. This edition of UWRF presents a diverse array of stories about humanity and life, inviting us to understand ourselves, listen to others’ perspectives, and create change together.
Now in its 23rd year and standing as one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most influential literary festivals, UWRF returns to Ubud—Bali’s cultural heart—from October 21–25. More than 150 leading writers, thinkers, journalists, and poets from Indonesia and beyond will gather for over 100 sessions, including conversations and panel discussions. This year, UWRF showcases diverse stories about humanity and life—broadening horizons, fostering empathy, and encouraging us to drive change—in line with the theme *Samarasā: Awareness. Empathy. Action.*
Founder and Director of UWRF.
“In an increasingly divided world, awareness helps us see things more clearly amidst the noise of so many voices. Empathy helps us understand one another and find ways to connect,” said Janet DeNeefe, Founder and Director of UWRF. Continuing: “However, awareness and empathy must be translated into action. It is action that brings about change. This spirit permeates the entire program this year, ranging from author conversations, panel discussions, and literary lunches to late-night spoken-word performances.”
Awareness can begin with the experiences closest to us. One such session features Tari Lang, who will share stories from her memoir, *My Neighbour, The Dictator*. The book recounts her life as a 14-year-old girl in 1965, when General Suharto’s coup led to the imprisonment of both her parents without trial. That experience became a pivotal part of Tari’s life and helped shape who she is today; she will also discuss how that history continues to influence her life and worldview.
The courage to speak out is a recurring theme in several sessions this year, touching on truth, censorship, and freedom of expression. In a session titled *Defying Silence Together*, investigative journalist Dandhy Laksono will converse with novelist Randa Abdel-Fattah—who had previously withdrawn from Adelaide Writers’ Week, subsequently garnering support from other participants who also chose to pull out of that festival. Two other sessions include *Forbidden Stories: Banned Media and Magazines* with human rights activist Todung Mulya Lubis, and *The Violence of Culture* with Michael Shaikh. Yirga Gelaw Woldeyes will delve further into the risks and challenges faced by those who choose to speak out.
Beyond silencing and repression, technological developments are another key topic at this year’s UWRF. As artificial intelligence begins to transform how we live and tell stories, two sessions will explore its impact on our lives and the world we inhabit. The session titled “Burning Books, Accepting Artifice: Man or Machine” features Brian Lang and Dee Lestari, while “Reimagining the World: Nation-state and Technology” brings together Richard King and British novelist Rana Dasgupta.
This year’s festival addresses not only who tells stories but also who gets the opportunity to voice them. UWRF showcases diverse voices from various countries and backgrounds, driven by a spirit of building connections and solidarity amidst differences. Through “The Bandung Conference of Writers,” authors from Asia and Africa will gather to revive the spirit of the 1955 Asian-African Conference held in Bandung. Meanwhile, “Literature: A Mirror to the World” brings together 2006 Man Booker Prize winner Kiran Desai and Palestinian author Adania Shibli for a conversation that questions the forces shaping our positions and roles in society.
Women’s voices and issues surrounding the body form a significant part of this year’s program, highlighting topics that often go overlooked. In “Women Who Write Women,” South African-Australian academic, activist, and writer Sisonke Msimang will discuss women’s experiences and voices across various contexts with Balinese author Oka Rusmini and other speakers. Meanwhile, “The Domestic is Political,” featuring Amanda Echanis, explores how everyday life and the domestic sphere intersect with broader societal issues.
In *Translating Women is Translating Change*, Tiffany Tsao—who was long listed for the 2022 International Booker Prize—will discuss how women’s stories can endure and reach readers through the translation process.
Among the various themes explored, this year’s Festival also makes space for experiences that touch our own lives: loss and aging. In *The Story of a Heart*, palliative care physician and bestselling author Rachel Clarke shares stories about life, death, and the human side of palliative care. Meanwhile, Pakistani author Fatima Bhutto discusses violence and the struggle for survival in *The Hour of the Wolf*. Through *Ageing: A Social Movement*, David Carlin and Peta Murray—co-authors of *How to Dress for Old Age*—invite us to view the aging process in a new light.
Investigative journalist and filmmaker Dandhy Laksono will discuss his book, *Reset Indonesia*, which addresses issues of socio-political reform and environmental justice. Meanwhile, author and musician Reda Gaudiamo invites us to explore the world of children’s literature through *Big Worlds for Little Readers*. She will share insights into writing for young audiences and discuss how to craft stories that tackle major themes in simple, warm, and imaginative language.
Ali Sethi will make his debut appearance at UWRF. The Pakistani-American writer, composer, and performer—widely known for the hit song “Pasoori”—will share stories about his life journey and the interplay between music, culture, longing, and identity during a conversation session in Ubud. “We are incredibly proud to present Ali Sethi at this year’s Festival. His work embodies the spirit we aim to foster at UWRF: elevating human stories and experiences, creating space for themes of longing and identity, and reminding us of the human capacity to change, adapt, hope, love, listen, and be heard,” said Namal Siddiqui, Head of Programming, UWRF.
Attending the UWRF
Festival tickets are now available, with options for a 4-Day Festival Pass and a 1-Day Festival Pass.
The 1-Day Festival Pass grants access to all main programs on the chosen day, while the 4-Day Festival Pass offers the flexibility to attend programs throughout the four days of the Festival, October 22–25. Information regarding tickets, special pricing, and frequently asked questions (FAQ) is available at ubudwritersfestival.com/tickets.
About the Festival
The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF) is held annually in Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali. As one of Southeast Asia’s leading literary festivals, UWRF October 21–25 2026 is renowned for its diverse programming and its warm, intimate atmosphere. Over five days,more than 200 writers, thinkers, and performers from around the world gather
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