Eka Kurniawan is a prominent Indonesian writer, known for his novels, short stories, and essays. Born on November 28, 1975, in Tasikmalaya, West Java, he has gained international recognition for his distinctive narrative style that often blends history, satire, folklore, and local mythology. Kurniawan's prose is marked by its vivid imagery, dark humor, and deep engagement with Indonesian culture and politics. He shot to global prominence with his novel "Cantik Itu Luka" ("Beauty Is a Wound"), which was first published in 2002 in Indonesia and later translated into many languages, including English. Another one of his notable works is "Lelaki Harimau" ("Man Tiger"), which was longlisted for the 2016 Man Booker International Prize. Eka Kurniawan's literary achievements have earned him comparisons to magical realist writers such as Gabriel García Márquez, reflecting the richness and complexity of his storytelling.