Indonesian Journal of Politics and Literary Studies
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): Political discourse and representation in Indonesian literature

Constructing the nation: literary representations of Indonesian nationalism in Pramoedya Ananta Toer’s works

Putriyatul Jamilah (Universitas PGRI Sumenep)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: Literary representations of nationalism in postcolonial Indonesia shape historical consciousness and collective identity. Objective: This study examines how nationalism is constructed in the novels of Pramoedya Ananta Toer, focusing on colonial–indigenous relations and identity formation. Method: A qualitative interpretive approach integrates Critical Discourse Analysis, narrative analysis, and postcolonial criticism of the Buru Quartet. Results: Nationalism is constructed through resistance to colonial knowledge, positioning indigenous subjects as active agents, while narratives depict a shift from individual awareness to collective political identity and function as counter-archives to colonial historiography. Implication: These findings affirm literature’s role in reshaping historical narratives and postcolonial identity discourse. Novelty: This study offers an integrative framework linking discourse, narrative, and historiography to reveal nationalism as both a linguistic and narrative construct.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijpl

Publisher

Subject

Description

Indonesian Journal of Politics and Literary Studies is a double blind peer-reviewed scholarly journal that publishes original research articles and critical studies at the intersection of politics, literature, and cultural discourse. This journal is published quarterly as a platform for the ...