Social Sciences Journal
Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): August

Representation of Nationalism Values in Aum!: A Ferdinand de Saussure Semiotic Analysis

Lola Sari (Universitas Dehasen Bengkulu)
Sapta Sari (Universitas Dehasen Bengkulu)
Martha Heriniazwi Dianthi (Universitas Dehasen Bengkulu)



Article Info

Publish Date
21 Aug 2026

Abstract

Film functions not only as entertainment but also as a medium that constructs social, political, and national meanings. This study examines how nationalism values are represented in Aum!, a film set during the political tension preceding Indonesia’s 1998 Reform movement. The study aims to identify and interpret visual and verbal signs that communicate nationalism through Ferdinand de Saussure’s semiotic perspective. A descriptive qualitative method was employed. Data were collected by repeatedly observing the film and documenting relevant scenes, dialogues, facial expressions, body movements, visual settings, and camera techniques. The analysis focused on the relationship between signifiers and signified meanings. The findings reveal three dominant forms of nationalism: courage in defending truth and freedom of expression, solidarity and unity among activists under political pressure, and resistance to injustice as concern for the nation’s future. These meanings are conveyed through firm dialogue, serious expressions, raised fists, collective positioning, and close-up and long-shot techniques. The study concludes that Aum! represents nationalism as an active commitment expressed through struggle, cooperation, sacrifice, social responsibility, and the defense of justice and democracy

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Journal Info

Abbrev

SOSJ

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education Environmental Science Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences Other

Description

Social Sciences Journal welcomes high quality contributions investigating topics in the fields of Communication Sciences, Economics, Psychology, Law, Education, Political Science, Sociology, Administrative Sciences, Social Work and many more, from theoretical, empirical and critical perspectives. ...