Binatang Press! Reintroduces Kho Ping Hoo’s Legacy Through “Bu Kek Siansu Vol. 3”
Binatang Press! proudly launches Bu Kek Siansu Vol. 3 as part of its ongoing initiative to republish the legendary works of Kho Ping Hoo, the master of Indonesian martial arts fiction, for a new generation of readers.
Known for writing hundreds of titles that have captivated readers across generations, Kho Ping Hoo, whose real name was Asmaraman Sukowati, was celebrated not only for his epic tales of martial arts adventure but also for weaving timeless values of virtue, justice, courage, and humanity into his stories: principles that continue to resonate today.
Driven by this spirit, Binatang Press! has republished the series in an effort to preserve some of the most significant works in the history of Indonesian popular martial arts literature and ensure they remain accessible to contemporary audiences. Although Kho Ping Hoo’s novels continue to enjoy a devoted readership, many of their original printed editions have long been out of circulation. Bu Kek Siansu Vol. 1–3 serves as an attempt to bridge that literary legacy with today's readers through a refreshed editorial and visual approach while preserving the essence of the original works.
More than a visual redesign, the publication has been conceived as a collectible object. Printed using the Risograph (RISO) process – a printing technique known for its distinctive color palette, organic textures, and subtle imperfections that have become part of its charm – the book offers a reading experience that feels both intimate and tactile. The choice of Risograph also reflects the visual sensibility of contemporary independent publishing. Complementing the printing process, illustration plays a central role in reimagining the reading experience for a new audience.
Featuring new illustrations by Yoel Kristiandi and design development by Joey Fong of The 1984, Binatang Press! reinterprets the publication for contemporary readers while remaining faithful to the spirit of stories that have endured for decades. Edited by Andreas Junus, the book invites readers back into Kho Ping Hoo’s richly imagined martial arts world, one filled with adventure, philosophical reflection, and enduring moral conflicts.
For longtime readers, the publication offers a nostalgic return to one of the most influential figures in the history of Indonesian martial arts fiction. For newcomers, it serves as an accessible gateway into Kho Ping Hoo’s body of work through a more approachable format and a presentation tailored to contemporary reading habits. In terms of language, the book remains faithful to Kho Ping Hoo’s distinctive narrative style, while its spelling has been updated to modern Indonesian conventions, making the text easier for today's readers to follow.
Overall, its renewed visual approach, distinctive print quality, and careful attention to production detail make the publication a celebration of one of Indonesia’s most enduring martial arts literary legacies. Following the complete launch of Bu Kek Siansu Vol. 1–3 in Jakarta, the publication tour also continues in Solo, Central Java; a city closely connected to Kho Ping Hoo’s personal history.
