Halimah Munawir’s ‘Mesir Love Story Under the Heavens of the Prophets’ Enriches the Literary Treasury of Religious Journeys
JAKARTA-JAYA NEWS.COM – The book “Mesir Love Story Under the Heavens of the Prophets” by Halimah Munawir is expected to enrich the literary treasure of religious journeys in Indonesia and encourage the creation of similar, high-quality literary works.
This was stated by Ahmadun Yosi Herfanda, poet and writer, when appearing as a speaker at a literary discussion and soft launch event for the book “Mesir Love Story Under the Heavens of the Prophets” by Halimah Munawir, as well as a Halal bi Halal event held at the Duren Sawit Naval Complex, East Jakarta, on Monday afternoon (30/3/2026).
The event, held with fellow poets, writers, cultural figures, and artists from the capital, also featured a speaker, Putra Gara (the book’s editor), moderated by Rini Intama (a literacy activist and literature lover), and MC Nuyang Jaimee (an Indonesian female poet from the Jakarta Art Village Community).
The event also included a poetry reading parade from poets and writers such as Nanang R Supriyatin, Riri Satria, Rissa Churria, Dyah Kencono Puspito Dewi, Kurnia Effendi, Putra Gara, Mita Katayo, and many more.
“With this book, Halimah Munawir is considered to have successfully presented a new perspective on travel literature that focuses not only on the destination but also on the journey itself,” said Ahmadun Yosi Herfanda, former literary editor of the daily newspaper Republika.
He further stated that this book is inspiring because it not only depicts the beauty of the place but also presents a journey of the soul. It contains religious, historical, and love values that blend harmoniously.
“At the same time, I felt the author’s meaningful personal experience,” he explained.
At the opening of the literary discussion, Ahmadun Yosi Herfanda expressed his deep appreciation for Halimah Munawir’s latest work.
He continued, “Because, the book is not just a travelogue, but also produces spiritual depth and strong human values.”
“Halimah Munawir has succeeded in blending a travel story in Egypt with a touch of inner reflection that has touched readers. In fact, in this book, readers are invited to trace the traces of civilization and the stories of the prophets who are an important part of Egyptian history,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Putra Gara, the editor of “Mesir Love Story, Under the Sky of the Prophets,” said that as editor, he found the book to have a genuine and warm energy.
“In fact, Halimah Munawir has been able to present a spiritual experience that feels close, connecting readers with both religious and emotional dimensions,” he said.
He explained that the editing process for the book was carried out while maintaining the strength of the author’s personal narrative without losing the depth of the message he intended to convey.
“This book is unique because it combines a light-hearted narrative style with powerful, reflective content,” he concluded.
Obor Sastra Halal Bi Halal
Meanwhile, the Obor Sastra Halal Bi Halal event, which serves as a gathering place for poets, writers, cultural figures, and artists, is expected to further strengthen relationships and provide a space for mutual inspiration in creating works, especially in Indonesian literature.
This was stated by Halimah Munawir, Chairperson of Obor Sastra, at the Halal Bi Halal event and literary discussion for the soft launch of the book “Mesir Love Story Di Bawah Langit Para Nabi” (Mesir Love Story Under the Sky of the Prophets) by Halimah Munawir at her residence on Jl. Teluk Langsa IV, Duren Sawit Navy Complex, East Jakarta, on Monday afternoon (30/3/2026).
“Through this Halal Bi Halal moment, we hope the relationship between poets and writers will grow stronger,” she said.
He further stated that the Obor Sastra community, which held this Halal bi Halal event, is not only a post-Eid al-Fitr tradition, but also a space to strengthen solidarity and collaboration among poets and writers.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my friends, especially my senior, Ahmadun Yosi Herfanda. Alhamdulillah, Mas Riri Satria, who, despite his official position, came to Duren Sawit. I also want to thank my friends who came from Garut and Bandung. Mr. Imam Ma’arif, despite being late, still came. Also, to Mr. Ireng Halimun, who came with his wife,” he said, adding that he couldn’t name all the friends in attendance.
The Halal Bi Halal atmosphere was warm and friendly—despite the heavy rain—around the venue, which was preceded by a communal lunch.
Even the Q&A session with participants and invited guests about the literary discussion about the book “Mesir Love Story, Under the Sky of the Prophets” was filled with enthusiasm and enthusiasm.
Especially to literary talk sources such as Ahmadun Yosi Herfanda (Poet and author), Halimah Munawir (a writer who is also known as a poet, novelist, and writer), and Putra Gara (a poet, short story writer, painter, and CEO of wartatrans.com).
On this occasion, Halimah Munawir, author of “Egyptian Love Story, Under the Sky of the Prophets,” shared the creative process of writing the book, particularly during her recent trip to Egypt.
Also present at the event, which concluded on Monday afternoon (March 30, 2026), were poets, writers, cultural figures, and artists (some of whom participated in the poetry reading parade—ed.), including Nanang Ribut Supriyatin, Kurnia Effendi, Riri Satria, Rissa Churia, Pulo. Lasman Simanjuntak, Rini Intama (moderator), Nuyang Jaimee (MC), Mita Katayo, Romy Sastra, Erna Winarsih Wiyono, Dyah Kencono Pusputo Dewi, Octavianus Masheka, and many more. (***)
Contributor: Lasman Simanjuntak
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