Ahmad Fahrizal Aziz, The Driving Force of Literacy in Blitar

Ahmad Fahrizal Aziz

On a quiet afternoon in Blitar, a man sits with a notebook in his hand. He is not just an ordinary reader. Anyone who has ever crossed paths with the local literary movement knows him well. His name is Ahmad Fahrizal Aziz, though many simply call him Fahrizal, and some affectionately refer to him as Fahri.

Behind his humble appearance lies the long journey of a man devoted to literacy. He is not only the founder of several literary communities but also the one who keeps them alive, documents their stories, and connects them to wider networks beyond the borders of the city. In Blitar, his name has become synonymous with the word “literacy.”

His story began in 2008 when he co-founded the Forum Lingkar Pena Blitar, the very first writing and literary community in the city. At that time, the literary scene in Blitar was still quiet, but this group gave young writers a home, a space to learn, share, and publish their works. Many new authors emerged from the forum, and Fahrizal was at the center of it all, leading discussions and keeping the movement alive.

Ten years later, in 2018, he created another platform called Muara Baca, a community dedicated to book discussions and national thought. The gatherings were not only about literature but also about philosophy, politics, and social issues. Through Muara Baca, Fahrizal showed that literacy was not just a hobby but a way to sharpen critical awareness and connect reading with the wider realities of life.

His steps reached even further when, in 2013, he co-founded Paguyuban Srengenge in Malang before expanding it to Blitar. Focused on book discussions and intellectual exchange, this group made history by inviting American writer Jim Baton, with support from the international organization Peace Catalys. It was proof of Fahrizal’s ability to build bridges, bringing the world to Blitar and Blitar to the world.

Recognition of his role came when he was appointed Secretary of the GPMB (Gerakan Pemasyarakatan Minat Baca) Blitar, a literacy movement directly inaugurated by the local government. This was more than just a title; it was official acknowledgment that his efforts were vital for the growth of literacy culture in the region.

Beyond community organizing, Fahrizal is also one of the most prolific writers in Blitar. He documents the pulse of the literary movement through essays, reflections, and critical notes published on his own platforms such as Insight Blitar and Jurnal Rasa, as well as national outlets like Kompasiana. His writings are not only reports of events but also thoughtful reflections, making him the unofficial archivist of Blitar’s literary journey.

What makes him unique is his broad network. His activism extends far beyond the world of books. He has been involved in movements for women’s and children’s rights, worked as an enumerator for USAID in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Health, and remains active in Pemuda Muhammadiyah. These experiences enrich his perspective, proving that literacy is deeply connected to social advocacy and community empowerment.

His reputation as a respected figure is also reflected in his frequent invitations as a judge for writing competitions and literacy events. Through these roles, he supports the younger generation of writers while reinforcing his own position as one of the leading voices in the literacy movement.

When people in Blitar talk about literacy, the name Ahmad Fahrizal Aziz almost always comes up. He is what many call a “referential figure.” He founded communities, nurtured them, wrote extensively, and built bridges across networks. From Forum Lingkar Pena, Muara Baca, and Paguyuban Srengenge to GPMB, his presence is visible everywhere.

In the end, his journey is proof that keeping the fire of literacy alive is not easy, but it is possible with dedication. In Blitar, a city known as the resting place of Indonesia’s founding father, Bung Karno, Fahrizal adds a new layer of meaning: Blitar as a city of literacy. His name, ideas, and legacy will remain a reference point for years to come. As one of his close peers once said, “If the story of literacy in Blitar were a book, Fahrizal’s name would always be on the opening page.”