KEMBARA
Vol. 11 No. 1 (2025): April

The Phenomenon of Silencing Activists in the Novel Laut Bercerita and Digital Silencing in Indonesia: An Analysis of Gramsci's Hegemony

Nurul Kholifah (Universitas Islam Malang, Indonesia)
Hasan Busri (Universitas Islam Malang, Indonesia)
Sri Wahyuni (Universitas Islam Malang, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 May 2025

Abstract

The silencing of critical voices has evolved from physical repression during the New Order era to the sophisticated mechanisms of digital suppression in contemporary Indonesia. This study aims to reveal the continuity and transformation of silencing practices by analyzing Leila S. Chudori’s novel Laut Bercerita alongside present-day digital suppression phenomena through Antonio Gramsci’s theory of hegemony. Employing a qualitative approach, the research integrated content analysis of the novel and documentation of digital silencing cases collected through literature reviews, close reading, and interactive data analysis methods, involving iterative coding, theme development, and validation across multiple data sources. The findings revealed that Laut Bercerita portrays silencing through coercion and ideological manipulation by the New Order regime, reflected in acts of torture, enforced disappearances, and propaganda. These practices exhibited fundamental similarities to modern digital suppression tactics, such as algorithm manipulation, shadow banning, and doxxing. Viewed through Gramsci's theoretical lens, both eras demonstrated the interplay of coercive force and ideological control to maintain hegemony. The study concludes that despite medium shifts, the silencing mechanisms persist across time. It further recommends the development of counter-hegemonic strategies. Specifically, creating alternative narratives and independent digital spaces that challenge dominant power structures to resist the increasingly complex nature of digital repression.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

KEMBARA

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

KEMBARA diterrbitkan sejak April 2015 oleh Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra Indonesia FKIP Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang. KEMBARA memuat artikel hasil penelitian bahasa, sastra, dan pengajarannya, yang diterbitkan pada bulan April dan ...