Let us see whether it is the New Order or me who will be the loser before Indonesian history. I have won. The New Order has fallen and my writings have been translated into 40 languages.

The quote by Pramoedya Ananta Toer reflects his triumph over the New Order regime in Indonesia, which had oppressed his ideas and writings. The New Order, led by President Suharto, was a military dictatorship that ruled Indonesia for several decades, during which censorship and political repression were prevalent. Toer, as a prominent writer and intellectual, was outspoken against the regime, resulting in his imprisonment and exile. Despite the regime's efforts to suppress him, Toer boldly claimed victory through his literary legacy.

The significance of this statement lies in Toer's belief that the New Order could not stifle his ideas and influence. His writings, particularly those that critiqued the government and explored Indonesia's complex history and culture, resonated globally. By stating that his works were translated into 40 languages, Toer emphasized that the regime's attempts to silence him were ultimately unsuccessful. His literature transcended national borders, reaching an international audience and ensuring that his message would continue to live on, long after the regime's downfall.

The origin of the quote stems from the period after Suharto's regime ended in 1998, a significant turning point in Indonesia's history. Toer, who had suffered under the authoritarian government, was now able to look back on his long career with a sense of accomplishment. His statement was not just about his personal victory, but also about the resilience of freedom of expression in the face of oppression. Toer's literary works, including the Buru Quartet, have since become symbols of resistance and the struggle for democracy in Indonesia.

Ultimately, the quote underscores Toer's confidence in the enduring power of ideas and culture. While the New Order sought to suppress dissent, Toer’s works have outlived the regime, and his voice has become a symbol of intellectual defiance. Through his writing, Toer proved that oppression could not extinguish the spirit of resistance, and his literary contributions continue to be celebrated worldwide.