Berita Mambarasi Nehe
beritamn@usbr.ac.id
Setia Budhi Rangkasbitung University, Indonesia
Abstract
This paper explores the intersection of literature and environmental awareness through Andrea Hirata’s novel, Laskar Pelangi (Rainbow Warriors). As a literary work rich in educational values, the novel also offers a powerful narrative about nature, which is intricately intertwined with the lives of its characters. The rainbow, as a central symbol, represents hope, beauty, and diversity while reflecting the harmonious relationship between humans and the environment. This article analyzes how Laskar Pelangi portrays reverence for nature and argues that literature can serve as a tool to promote environmental sustainability.
1. Introduction
Laskar Pelangi is the first novel by Andrea Hirata published by Bentang Pustaka in 2005. This novel tells the story of the lives of 10 children from poor families who attend school (elementary and middle school) at a Muhammadiyah school on Belitung Island which is full of limitations. They went to school and studied in the same class from grade 1 of elementary school to grade 3 of junior high school, and called themselves Laskar Pelangi. In the final parts of the story, the members of Laskar Pelangi have one daughter named Flo, a transfer student. The existing limitations do not make them despair, but instead make them motivated to do something better. Laskar Pelangi is the first book in the Laskar Pelangi Tetralogy. The next books are The Dreamer, Edensor, and Maryamah Karpov. This book is recorded as the best-selling Indonesian literary book in history.
The story takes place in Gantung Village, East Belitung. It started when the Muhammadiyah school was threatened with being disbanded by the South Sumatra Department of Education and Culture if it did not reach 10 new students. At that time only 9 children attended the opening ceremony, but just when Mr. Harfan, the school principal, was about to make a speech closing the school, Harun and his mother came to register at the small school.
The story starts from the seating arrangement, their meeting with Mr. Harfan, their extraordinary introduction where A Kiong actually grinned when their teacher, Mrs. Mus, asked his name. Borek’s stupid incident, the election of class president which Kucai strongly protested, the discovery of Mahar’s extraordinary talent, Ikal’s first love experience, and the risk of Lintang’s life when he cycled 80 km round trip from his house to school.
They, Laskar Pelangi – the name given by Mrs. Muslimah because of their love of rainbows – also made the school proud in various ways. For example, Mahar’s revenge, who was always cornered by his friends because of his enjoyment of the occultism, which resulted in a sweet victory at the August 17 carnival, and Lintang’s extraordinary genius who challenged and defeated Mr. Zulfikar, a rich PN school teacher who has a diploma and is famous, and wins a quiz competition. Laskar Pelangi had fun days, laughing and crying together. The story of these ten flocks ended with the death of Lintang’s father which forced little Einstein to drop out of school in a very touching way, and continued with events 12 years later where Ikal, who was fighting outside Belitong Island, returned to his village. This beautiful story was summarized hilariously and movingly by Andrea Hirata, we can even feel the childhood spirit of these ten members of the Laskar Pelangi.
Literature mirrors human life and the world around it. In a global context facing ecological challenges, literature holds immense potential to raise environmental awareness. Andrea Hirata’s Laskar Pelangi is not only a story of children’s struggles to attain education in a village but also a celebration of nature as an integral part of the lives of the Belitung community. The rainbow, a recurring symbol in the novel, carries profound meanings of harmony and diversity.
2. The Symbol of Rainbow (Pelangi) in Laskar Pelangi
In Laskar Pelangi, the rainbow is more than a natural phenomenon; it is a powerful symbol of hope that persists despite life’s storms. This is reflected in the journeys of the main characters—Ikal, Lintang, and Mahar—who face various trouble yet hold patience to their dreams. Furthermore, the rainbow signifies the diversity of the Belitung community, living in harmony with nature. This harmony underlines the importance of maintaining a balanced and respectful relationship between humans and the environment for a sustainable future.
Symbol of Beauty and Hope
Rainbows are often associated with natural beauty, especially because of their diverse and stunning colors. In Literature, rainbows can be used to describe hope after difficult times, referring to the natural phenomenon that appears after rain, carrying a message of optimism.
Representation of Diversity
With its diverse colors, the rainbow is a universal symbol of diversity, unity and harmony. In literature, it can be used to highlight themes such as tolerance, unity in diversity, or intercultural relations.
Philosophy of Life
The rainbow also has philosophical connotations. It only appears after a storm, which can be a metaphor for the human journey through adversity to achieve happiness or peace. Writers often utilize rainbows to convey ideas about growth, struggle, and transformation. The rainbow is symbol of superiority and Miracles because of their rare and unique appearance, rainbows are often seen as something magical or transcendent. In literary works, rainbows can symbolize miracles, spiritual power, or the connection between humans and the universe.
Cultural and Mythological Significance
In many cultures and mythologies, rainbows have special meaning. For example: In Indonesia, the rainbow was considered that there is an angel who takes a bath in the river and the rainbow a stair to go up and go down. In certain traditions, the rainbow is a sign of peace or divine blessing. Literary writers who understand this context often use rainbows to provide rich symbolic nuances.
Imagination and Romanticism
Rainbows are also often used to express romantic, dreamy or imaginative moods. Because of its unique shape and color, the rainbow is a strong visual element to create atmosphere in the story.
3. Belitung as a Character in the Narrative
Andrea Hirata raises Belitung beyond being a mere setting; it becomes a living “character” in its own right. The island’s beautiful beaches, fertile forests, and spirit of daily life enrich the narrative. The author’s vivid descriptions emphasize the need to preserve nature as a part of cultural identity and local heritage. For instance, the struggles of the novel’s characters are often intertwined with their natural surroundings, such as the challenges posed by Belitung’s harsh yet stunning environment. This narrative conveys a profound message that is humans must respect and care for nature as an essential part of their existence.
4. Literature and Environmental Education
Laskar Pelangi holds significant potential as a teaching material to foster environmental awareness. The novel can be incorporated into ecology-based education, encouraging students to understand the values of nature through analysis the novel. In this context, Writing for the Earth becomes relevant, advocating for literature as a medium to convey critical messages about environmental preservation. Andrea Hirata, through Laskar Pelangi, creates a space for reflection on how humans can coexist harmoniously with nature.
6. Conclusion
Laskar Pelangi exemplifies how literature can convey great messages about the interconnectedness of humans and nature. Andrea Hirata writes a narrative that celebrates not only human resilience but also the magnificence of the natural world. The rainbow, as a central symbol, reminds us of the beauty and diversity of nature, urging us to protect it. In the spirit of Writing for the Earth, let us embrace literacy as a bridge between humans and nature for a better future.
References
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Author Biography
Dr. Berita Mambarasi Nehe is a lecturer at Setia Budhi Rangkasbitung University. Her concern on Education brings her writes some books and do research to explore her capacity. In 2024, she writes some collaboration books with many lectures from universities in Indonesia. The titles of the books she wrote are: Mix Method, Explorasi Bahasa, Extensive Reading, English Speaking Skill, Model Pembelajaran di Era Society 5.0, Efl Mastery on Technology, Vocabulary, and Reading Strategies and other English Education articles.