"laskar pelangi" was adapted into a film of the same name in 2008 by directors riri riza and mira lesmana; the film became the most-viewed indonesian film of all time, being seen by 5 million viewers during its theatrical run. he also worked at the telecommunications company telkom indonesia, eventually quitting to focus on writing. in 2010 the international rights for the "laskar pelangi" tetralogy were bought by american agent amer & asia; the rights were later acquired by kathleen anderson literary management. afterwards, hirata opened a library in his hometown.