Ratih Kumala, born in Jakarta on June 4, 1980, studied English Literature at Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta. She has authored seven books, including Tabula Rasa, Genesis, Larutan Senja, Kronik Betawi, Gadis Kretek, Bastian dan Jamur Ajaib, and her latest, Saga dari Samudra. In addition to novels and short stories, she also writes screenplays. She lives in Jakarta with her husband, writer Eka Kurniawan, and their daughter, Kidung Kinanti Kurniawan.