IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature
Vol. 14 No. 1 (2026): IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Lite

The Ideology of the Main Female Character in the Novel Amba by Laksmi Pamuntjak

Erlinda A. Suleman (Jurusan Bahasa Dan Sastra Indonesia, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo)
Herson Kadir (Jurusan Bahasa Dan Sastra Indonesia, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo)
Yunus Dama (Jurusan Bahasa Dan Sastra Indonesia, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo)



Article Info

Publish Date
19 Jun 2026

Abstract

This research examines Laksmi Pamuntjak's novel, Amba, which tells the story of the main female character's struggle to find freedom and equality with men. Initially, the main female character views freedom as a means to happiness. However, she experiences destruction and loss that render her unaware of her rights as a woman. This situation drives her to resist patriarchy through a transformation into a woman with freedom of choice, freedom of opinion, responsibility, and independence. This research focuses on two issues: feminine transcendence as viewed from the perspective of women's existence in Laksmi Pamuntjak's novel, Amba. This study is analyzed using Simone de Beauvoir's existentialist feminist theory in her book, The Second Sex, which discusses the transcendence of women's freedom and awareness in determining their identity. The method used is descriptive qualitative, using reading, observing, and note-taking techniques. The research results show that the main female character successfully discovers her identity and truth through her search for a livelihood on Buru Island, leading her to become an independent, critical, and persistent woman. This struggle reflects a woman's efforts to achieve full existence and recognition. The conclusions from the research findings indicate that the main female character successfully fights for women's rights through her efforts to transcend her limitations. The main female character maintains her honor as a mother and the love of a man.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ideas

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

IDEAS Journal is published twice a year in the months of June and December (P-ISSN 2338-4778 and E-ISSN 2548-4192); it presents articles on English language teaching and learning, linguistics, and literature. The contents include analyses, studies and application of theories, research report, ...