Djenar Maesa Ayu

Djenar Maesa Ayu (born 14 January 1973), also known as Nay, is an Indonesian novelist, short story writer, actress, screenwriter, and filmmaker. Her work has variously been described as "provocative and lurid", and unique and brave.

Life and work Ayu was born on 14 January 1973 in Jakarta, Indonesia.The daughter of film director Sjumandjaja and actress Tuti Kirana, she began writing while studying at elementary school. After graduation, Ayu worked as a television presenter for a short time before beginning to write professionally. Her second book, Jangan Main-Main (dengan Kelaminmu) (Don't Play (with Your Genitals)), also a compilation of eleven short stories, was nominated for the Khatulistiwa Literary Award in 2004.Nayla, was published in 2005, followed by Cerita Pendek Tentang Cerita Cinta Pendek (Short Stories about Short Stories), published in 2006.

In 2008 Ayu debuted as film director with the release of the film version of Mereka Bilang, Saya Monyet!. This film is based on two short stories from the collection: Lintah (Leech) and Melukis Jendela (Painting the Window).

Family Ayu is a mother and grandmother. She was once married to Edhie Wijaya for 14 years until their divorce on 26 June 2005. They had two daughters, Banyu Bening (born 1992) and Btari Maharani.

Selected works Short story collections Mereka Bilang, Saya Monyet (They Say I'm a Monkey), 2001 Jangan Main-Main (dengan Kelaminmu) (Don't play (with your sex)), 2003 Cerita Pendek Tentang Cerita Cinta Pendek (A Short story about a Story of Short Love), 2006 1 Perempuan, 14 Laki-laki (1 Woman, 14 Men), 2011

Novels Nayla, 2005

Filmography Cast Boneka dari Indiana (Doll from Indiana)1990 Koper (The Lost Suitcase) 2006 Anak-Anak Borobudur (Children of Borobudur; 2007) Cinta Setaman (Love in a Garden; 2008) Ai Lop Yu Pul (2009) Dikejar Setan (Overtaken by Satan) 2009 Melodi (Melody) 2010 Purple Love (2011) Kartini (2017) Bidadari Mencari Sayap (2020) Mendua (2022) as Dr. Alya Darmawan Siksa Kubur (Grave Torture; 2024) Gowok: Javanese Kamasutra (2025) Sammi, Who Can Detach His Body Parts (2025) (short film)

Crew Mereka Bilang, Saya Monyet! (They Say I'm a Monkey!; 2009)