LITERATURE AS A TOOL FOR EDUCATION AND SOCIAL CHANGE

Berita Mambarasi Nehe
beritamn@usbr.ac.id
Setia Budhi Rangkasbitung University, Indonesia

Introduction

Literature has long been one of the pillars of culture, reflecting the social, political, and psychological conditions of society. In Indonesia, literature serves not only as entertainment or a means of self-expression but also as a powerful tool for education and social change. Through literature, writers can critique injustice, educate society about moral values, and influence people’s thoughts and actions to create a better world. Literature, with its beauty and storytelling power, acts as an important bridge between personal understanding and broader social transformation. Literature has always been a powerful way to share ideas, tell stories, and reflect on life. It does more than entertain us; it can also teach us important lessons and inspire us to think about the world in new ways. Through books, poems, and plays, writers help us understand different ideas, cultures, and problems in society. Literature can show us what is wrong in the world, and help us see ways we can make things better. For centuries, literature has been used to raise awareness about social issues, challenge unfair systems, and inspire people to take action. It can teach us about kindness, justice, and how we can help improve our communities. In this essay, we will look at how literature not only helps us learn, but also has the power to bring about positive change in society.

Literature as an Educational Tool

Literature as an educational tool has a significant impact, especially in developing character and introducing important life values. In Indonesia, literary works are often used in education to teach cultural concepts, moral values, and the history of the nation. Indonesian literature teaches the values of diversity, tolerance, hard work, and respect for local culture. One of the most famous examples is Andrea Hirata’s novel Laskar Pelangi. This novel tells the story of children from poor families in Belitung who struggle to get an education. Through characters like Ikal, Lintang, and Mahar, readers are taught about the importance of education and perseverance in the face of limitations. The novel not only provides a moral message about determination and spirit but also introduces the importance of education as a tool to achieve dreams, even in difficult circumstances.

Another example is the work Negeri 5 Menara by A. Fuadi. This novel tells the story of Alif’s school days, the character “Aku”, together with his five friends at the Madani Islamic Boarding School, East Java. These six of them have their own goals and aspirations. At the cottage, they began to recognize the magic words in the form of “Man Jadda Wa Jadda”, means “Who is serious, he will definitely get it”. This book tells many things that are not yet known about “modern Islamic boarding schools”. In fact, it is not uncommon for people to have wrong ideas about life in Islamic boarding schools themselves. The interesting thing about this book is that it can make readers fall in love with Islamic boarding school life, both the system and the people.

Literature as an Agent of Social Change

Literature also plays a significant role in social change and becomes an effective tool in raising social awareness and encouraging people to think critically about the existing conditions. One clear example of this is Pramoedya Ananta Toer’s novel Bumi Manusia (This Earth of Mankind). This novel not only tells the love story between Minke and Annelies but also portrays the struggle of a native man fighting against Dutch colonialism. Through the character of Minke, Pramoedya critiques the colonial system, racial inequality, and social injustice of that time. This work encourages readers to think deeply about the nation’s history and the importance of fighting for independence and social justice. Bumi Manusia becomes not only a work of literature but also a powerful educational tool for Indonesian history.

Another example is Segala yang diisap Langit oleh Pinto Anugrah. This novel describes the transformation of customs and cultural values due to internal factors such as the economy and external factors like traditions and social revolutions. The story in the novel illustrates the conflict between traditional Minangkabau values and the influence of modernization, including the shift from the matrilineal system and challenges to old customs. The novel reflects the complex socio-cultural dynamics and offers a critique of the changes occurring within the community.

Literature as a Mirror of Society and a Source of Social Awareness

Literature often functions as a mirror for society to reflect on their social reality. literature can highlight injustices, inspire empathy, and provoke thought, acting as a catalyst for change by encouraging individuals to question norms, confront prejudices, and envision a more equitable society. In this way, literature transcends mere storytelling, becoming a force that fosters understanding and social transformation. Literature shows how injustice and oppression occur in different layers of society. Siti Nurbaya by Marah Rusli. The theme is tradition and social critique. The novel tells the story of Siti Nurbaya, a young woman forced to marry Datuk Maringgih, a wealthy older man, as a way to repay her family’s debts. The central conflict revolves around true love and arranged marriages dictated by tradition. Siti Nurbaya is a critique of forced marriage practices and gender inequality in traditional Minangkabau society. The novel highlights the powerlessness of women under the pressure of customs and economic authority.

Conclusion

Literature is a vital tool for education and social change, offering more than just entertainment, it provides a means for reflection, learning, and transformation. Through literature, readers gain access to diverse experiences and perspectives, fostering empathy and critical thinking. It challenges societal norms, questions authority, and highlights social injustices, encouraging individuals to see the world through new lenses. By raising awareness and sparking dialogue, literature can inspire action and drive progress, making it an influential force in shaping attitudes and behaviors. As a powerful educational resource, literature has the capacity to cultivate informed, compassionate individuals who are more engaged with and committed to positive social change.

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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.