Author discusses his novel at book fair

Nicolas Rouillé spoke about his novel Timika. Western Papou at the Lire en Poche book fair in Gradignan. The book received the 2026 French Literature Prize after being reissued by Anacharsis in the « Griffe/Fictions » pocket collection.

Novel’s origins in Papua

Rouillé’s novel grew from his experiences in Western Papua, where he investigated the lives of Indonesian migrants, gold miners, and Papuan resistors around a large mine. He described the writing process as immersive, involving five years of daily effort and personal immersion in the region.

Investigation and dangers

Rouillé spent time in Indonesia before returning to France, where an article about Freeport and Western Papua revealed hidden military operations and massacres. He later obtained a writing grant and conducted research in Timika, facing surveillance and potential danger during his visits.

Novel’s perspective on migration

The novel explores the perspective of Pak Sutrisno, an Indonesian migrant who arrives in Timika seeking work. The story contrasts the migrant’s pursuit of wealth with local power structures, highlighting the migrant as both a colonist and a worker in search of opportunity.

Mining and environmental impact

Grasberg, a major mining operation by PT Freeport Indonesia, is central to the novel. The company’s waste disposal practices, while legal, face criticism for environmental harm. Gold prospectors search for gold in these waste materials, a practice Rouillé could not directly access but studied through photographs and descriptions.

Conflict and resistance

The novel weaves together themes of economic interests, military control, and land struggles. Characters like Alfons, aligned with Papuan resistance, and Sutrisno, representing migrant workers, reflect the complex dynamics of the region. Rouillé avoids simplifying characters or their motivations, emphasizing the threat faced by the Papuan people.

Broader themes and future translations

Rouillé’s work aligns with the Lire en Poche theme of idealism, seen also in his previous book Laâyoune, en attendant. He hopes to translate Timika. Western Papou into Indonesian and English, aiming to return the story to the Papuan people rather than perpetuate a colonial narrative.