Sasindo – Politics and literature are two different poles that can be united in a medium of language. The connection between these two things has become a topic of discussion among literature readers. Starting from this point, Podcast Belantara Episode 18 discusses literature further, not just as an object to be read once, but as an object that influences the political dynamics of a country.
This episode features William Breadley Cristianto, an Indonesian literature student and literature reader. In his view, the narrative that literature students will inevitably become writers is mistaken. Literature students are actually guided to become critical readers. Readers who are able to read the influence of literature more deeply, which in a broader spectrum will intersect with the politics of the nation. This has a significant impact, as seen in novels with political and historical themes, such as Laut Bercerita (The Sea Tells a Story) or Ronggeng Dukuh Paruk (The Dancing Girl of Dukuh Paruk).
Ideally, literature students are educated to become literary critics who are able to analyze works. Many literary works have become witnesses to political policies that have influenced the distribution of works. Many books have been confiscated, and many writers have even been imprisoned. This is part of literary life, which is closely related to politics.
Learn more about the discussion between literature and politics, as well as the possibilities that occur between the two, only on the Belantara Podcast https://youtu.be/i7UVcTbgCBQ?si=ohHNO5pMG5ElzJ7n
Dr. Sukarjo Waluyo, S.S., M.Hum., as the Head of the Indonesian Literature Study Program at FIB Undip, fully supports the Belantara Podcast and appreciates the critical thinking of the students. He hopes that this will inspire other students to actively participate in various activities in other Indonesian Literature Study Programs.