Sejarah Sastra 1920 an Balai Pustaka

Summary

This transcript offers an in-depth exploration of Indonesian literature in the 1920s, focusing on two key literary movements: Balai Pustaka and non-Balai Pustaka literature. It covers the formation of Balai Pustaka, its literary contributions such as romantic novels and translations, and the significant figures involved, including Merari Siregar and Nur Sutan Iskandar. It also introduces non-Balai Pustaka authors like Mas Marco Kartodikromo and Semaun, who contributed to nationalist themes. Additionally, the transcript highlights the emergence of 'Pujangga Baru' literature and dramatic works, offering a comprehensive overview of the era's literary landscape.

Takeaways

• 😀 Balai Pustaka was established by the Dutch colonial government on September 14, 1917, to provide suitable reading materials for the Indonesian population.
• 😀 The first major work published by Balai Pustaka was 'Azab dan Sengsara' by Merari Siregar in 1920, marking the beginning of modern Indonesian literature.
• 😀 Balai Pustaka literature is characterized by sad, tearful storylines, linear plot progression, and themes revolving around daily life, traditional customs, and forced marriages.
• 😀 The works of Balai Pustaka often used direct characterization, with characters reflecting local cultural traits and romanticism. The setting was often rural, with long sentences and a didactic tone.
• 😀 Some notable Balai Pustaka authors include Merari Siregar, Marah Rusli, Nur Sutan Iskandar, Muhammad Kasim, and Abdul Muis, who wrote both novels and short stories.
• 😀 Translation works were a significant part of Balai Pustaka's literary output, including translations from English, French, German, and American literature.
• 😀 Non-Balai Pustaka literature emerged during the same period, with politically inclined works by authors like Mas Marco Kartodikromo and Semaun, who wrote about nationalism and independence.
• 😀 The 'Pujangga Baru' movement was another literary trend of the 1920s, focusing on nationalistic themes and led by authors like Muhammad Yamin, with works such as 'Seribu Satu Indonesia' and 'Tumpah Darahku.'
• 😀 Drama also emerged during the 1920s, with plays like 'Ken Arok Ken Dedes,' which were performed during the youth congress of 1928 before being published.
• 😀 The 1920s saw significant cultural and literary development in Indonesia, marked by a shift from traditional storytelling to modern themes in literature, poetry, and drama.

Q & A

What is the significance of Balai Pustaka in Indonesian literature?

Balai Pustaka played a crucial role in shaping modern Indonesian literature. It was a publishing house established by the Dutch colonial government in 1917 to oversee reading materials for the native Indonesian population. It became a literary movement known for works that reflected themes like rural life, customs, and forced marriages, and helped modernize Indonesian literature.

What are the main characteristics of Balai Pustaka literature?

Balai Pustaka literature is characterized by its romanticism, linear storytelling, and themes of tragedy. The novels often depicted rural life, forced marriages, and customs, with long sentences and didactic language. They also used proverbs, sayings, and folk tales in their stories.

Can you name some key works published by Balai Pustaka?

Some key works published by Balai Pustaka include 'Azab dan Sengsara' by Merari Siregar, 'Siti Nurbaya' by Marah Rusli, and novels by other authors like Nur Sutan Iskandar and Abdul Muis.

How did Balai Pustaka contribute to the Indonesian literary scene?

Balai Pustaka not only published works that shaped modern Indonesian literature, but it also facilitated the publication of translated works from other languages, including Dutch, English, and German. It was instrumental in developing a modern literary tradition in Indonesia, especially in the context of the nationalist movement.

Who were some of the prominent authors associated with Balai Pustaka?

Prominent authors associated with Balai Pustaka include Merari Siregar, Marah Rusli, Nur Sutan Iskandar, Muhammad Kasim, and Abdul Muis. These authors contributed significantly to the literary output of the 1920s, shaping the themes and styles of the time.

What is the 'Pujangga Baru' movement, and who were its key figures?

'Pujangga Baru' was a literary movement in the 1920s that focused on nationalism, promoting themes of national identity, unity, and independence. Key figures in this movement included Muhammad Yamin and Dewi Tara, who wrote poetry and drama to inspire national consciousness.

What were some of the significant works produced by the 'Pujangga Baru' movement?

Significant works produced by the 'Pujangga Baru' movement include Muhammad Yamin's poetry collection 'Seribu Sajak' and the drama 'Ken Arok Ken Dedes,' which was first performed during the 1928 Youth Congress and later published.

What role did translations play in the development of Indonesian literature during the 1920s?

Translations played an important role in expanding the literary horizons of Indonesian writers and readers. Authors like Nur Sutan Iskandar translated works from languages such as English, Dutch, and French, introducing global literary ideas and fostering the growth of modern Indonesian literature.

How did non-Balai Pustaka literature differ from Balai Pustaka literature?

Non-Balai Pustaka literature often had a more politically charged nature and was not affiliated with the official government-run publishing house. It included works with nationalist themes and was linked to the broader political and social movements of the time, such as those seen in the writings of Mas Marco Kartodikromo and Semaun.

What impact did the 1920s literary movements have on modern Indonesian literature?

The 1920s literary movements, including Balai Pustaka, non-Balai Pustaka, and Pujangga Baru, laid the foundation for modern Indonesian literature. They introduced themes of nationalism, modernism, and social change, reflecting the political and cultural shifts of the time. These movements helped define the literary identity of Indonesia during the early 20th century.