Al-Absah: Journal of Civilization, Language, Literature, and History
Vol. 2 No. 1 (2026)

Satire and Political Subversion: Critical Discourse Analysis of Javanese Power Ethics in Serat Wicara Keras

Dewa Alfaquin Faturangga (Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Mas Said Surakarta)
Diefa Octavia Poetra (Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Mas Said Surakarta)
M. Syirojul Huda (Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Mas Said Surakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 May 2026

Abstract

This study aims to analyze satire and political subversion in Serat Wicara Keras by R. Ng. Yasadipura II as a critique of Javanese power ethics. The research employs a qualitative method using Norman Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis approach to examine the relationship between language, ideology, and power within the text. Data were collected through library research and textual analysis of verses containing socio-political criticism. The findings reveal that Yasadipura II utilizes satire, irony, pejorative metaphors, and moral symbolism as discursive strategies to criticize the moral decadence of the priyayi elite and the crisis of political legitimacy within the royal court. The criticism is conveyed indirectly through a hidden transcript mechanism, enabling symbolic resistance against feudal political culture without direct confrontation. This study also finds that the critical values contained in Serat Wicara Keras remain relevant to contemporary Indonesian politics, particularly regarding oligarchy, dynastic politics, corruption, and the crisis of leadership ethics. Therefore, Serat Wicara Keras is not only a literary and historical text but also a medium of socio-political criticism that reflects the relationship between language, culture, and power in the Javanese tradition.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

absah

Publisher

Subject

Description

Al-Absah: Journal of Civilization, Language, Literature, and History aims to provide a scholarly platform for the publication of research articles related to the fields of adab, language, literature, and history. This journal welcomes interdisciplinary studies that explore these areas from various ...