Muslim English Literature
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): Muslim English Literature

Unmasking Indonesian Neo-Orientalism in Kipandjikusmin’s Langit Makin Mendung

Dwi Rezki Hardianto Putra Rustan (Universitas Terbuka)
Wahyu Gandi G (Universitas Gadjah Mada)
Hanita Hanim Ismail (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

This research aims to unveil colonial discourses in the Langit Makin Mendung (LMM) works. To achieve this, it employs Orientalism concept and incorporates Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), initially using the deconstruction method. Through the concept and methods, colonial ambivalence is revealed through the perspective of God, Muhammad, Gabriel, and his family in narrating the boundary between heaven and earth. Heaven as a place of wealth and intelligence, while earth is portrayed as a place of laziness, ignorance, and moral decay. This dichotomy reflects colonial attitudes, positioning heaven as the superior colonial space and earth as the inferior colonized space. The story's ironic elements highlight the undecidability and delayed meaning in the identity of earth's inhabitants. By deconstructing these binary oppositions, the study reveals the persistent influence of colonial discourse in shaping Indonesian literature and society. Additionally, the findings reveal neo-orientalism symptom, where colonial identities and perspectives continue to adapt and re-emerge in new forms, reinforcing dominance through subtler and more covert mechanisms. Ultimately, this study contributing to the field by expanding orientalism concept to Indonesian literature and highlighting the persistence of colonial discourses within postcolonial narratives, filling a critical gap in the understanding of neo-orientalism beyond Western or Middle Eastern contexts.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

mel

Publisher

Subject

Religion Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Muslim English Literature specializes in Muslim World Literature including US-Muslim, British-Muslim, Asian-Muslim, and other Muslim cultures and literature; and is intended to communicate original research and current issues on the subject. This journal warmly welcomes contributions from scholars ...