Khairani Barokka (b. 1985) is a writer and artist from Jakarta, based in London. Okka's work has been presented widely, and centers disability justice as anti-colonial praxis, environmental justice, and access as translation. She has a PhD by Practice in Visual Cultures. Okka has been a UNFPA Indonesian Young Leader Driving Social Change, a Delfina Foundation Associate Artist, an Artforum Must-See, Associate Artist at the UK’s National Centre for Writing, and shortlisted for the Asian Women of Achievement Awards. Her books include Ultimatum Orangutan (Nine Arches), shortlisted for the 2022 Barbellion Prize, and 2024’s amuk (Nine Arches), longlisted for the Jhalak Poetry Prize. Annah, Infinite (Tilted Axis, 2025), a Bookseller's Expert Pick, is her prose debut.
Tulisan Nusantara is our writers’ residency program. Each year, published writers from across the region are invited to spend time on the island, drawing inspiration from the natural world and the stories of the Riau Islands.
During their stay, residents explore ideas connected to place, identity, and culture. Guests may spot them working in quiet corners of the island or join open readings and informal discussions when held. Each residency leaves behind a piece of writing, which will be gathered into an anthology over time.