Jakarta. Gramedia publishing company launched a compilation of short stories by prolific author Seno Gumira Ajidarma in Jakarta on Saturday. The book is titled after Seno's popular work "Sepotong Senja untuk Pacarku," or "A Slice of Dusk for My Sweetheart.” 

Speaking at the book launch in Jakarta on Saturday, Seno told Antara he hopes his works will be able to find its place in the heart of Indonesian readers.

Seno told Kompas that Indonesia is blessed with many good writers, but the lack of enthusiasm for literature is a real problem.

"[With writers like Danarto and Putu Wijaya], we are not lacking in quality. The problem is people don't read," he said. "Literature should be promoted the way people promote cigarettes. Those billboard should show stories by Danarto or something, or book covers, not just a picture of lungs."

The compilation book is divided in three parts; "Trilogi Alina," ("The Trilogy of Alina"), "Peselancar Agung" ("The Great Surfer') and "Atas Nama Senja" ("On Behalf of the Dusk"). Actors Abimana Aryasatya, Butet Kartaredjasa and Dian Sastrowardoyo attended the launch to read each part of the book.

"Sepotong Senja untuk Pacarku" was first published in the Sunday edition of Kompas daily newspaper on Feb. 9, 1991. It has been included in many compilations of short stories, including the 2002 book by Gramedia.

The new book is Rp 85,000 ($6) and will hit stores and online shops on Feb. 25.