Synopsis of Award-Winning Laskar Pelangi (Rainbow Troop) Novel by Andrea Hirata

Summary

Laskar Pelangi (Rainbow Troop) by Andrea Hirata tells the inspiring story of ten children from the remote Belitong Island who overcome poverty and adversity to pursue education. In the 1970s, Muhammadiyah Elementary School is saved from closure as these children—Ikal, Lintang, Sahara, Mahar, and others—enroll, defying the odds. Led by their dedicated teachers, they excel in academic and artistic competitions, despite financial constraints. Tragedy strikes when Lintang must leave school to support his family. Twelve years later, the group’s perseverance pays off, with members achieving success in politics, business, and education, proving the transformative power of education.

Takeaways

• 😀 Muhammadiyah Elementary School in Gentong, East Belitong, faced closure in the 1970s due to a lack of students.
• 😀 The school was saved when exactly 10 students enrolled, the minimum required to keep it open.
• 😀 These 10 children became known as *Laskar Pelangi* (Rainbow Troop), named by their teacher, Ms. Mus, after the vibrant Belitong sky.
• 😀 The main characters of *Laskar Pelangi* were Ikal, Lintang, Sahara, Mahar, A Kiong, Syahdan, Kucai, Borek, Trapani, and Harun.
• 😀 Despite their impoverished mining families, the children were passionate about education and determined to succeed.
• 😀 The school principal, Mr. Harfan, and teacher, Ms. Mus, provided constant inspiration and support for the students.
• 😀 The *Laskar Pelangi* members participated in a carnival competition, creating costumes from leaves, which led them to victory.
• 😀 Lintang, Ikal, and Sahara won a Quiz Competition, defeating better-funded schools.
• 😀 Lintang had to quit school after his father passed away, though he was the smartest student with dreams of becoming a mathematician.
• 😀 The story ends twelve years later, revealing that the *Laskar Pelangi* members had achieved great success in politics, business, and academia.
• 😀 The novel highlights themes of perseverance, the importance of education, teamwork, and overcoming adversity.

Q & A

What is the central theme of *Laskar Pelangi*?

The central theme of *Laskar Pelangi* revolves around the power of education, determination, and overcoming adversity. It highlights how the children, despite coming from impoverished backgrounds, pursue their education with passion and resilience.

Who were the main educators in the story?

The main educators in *Laskar Pelangi* were Ms. Mus, the teacher who inspired the children, and Mr. Harfan, the school principal who supported them throughout their educational journey.

What does the name 'Laskar Pelangi' mean, and who gave it?

'Laskar Pelangi' translates to 'Rainbow Troops.' The name was given by Ms. Mus, inspired by the children's fascination with the beautiful rainbow in the sky over Belitong.

How did the students of Muhammadiyah Elementary School manage to participate in the carnival competition despite having no funds?

The students participated by using their creativity. Mahar, who had a talent for art, made costumes from leaves, which allowed them to win the carnival competition.

What happened to Lintang, the brightest student, in the story?

Lintang, the brightest student with aspirations of becoming a mathematician, had to leave school after his father died and he needed to support his family. His departure marked a significant turning point in the story.

How does the story end?

The story ends twelve years later when Ikal, one of the students, returns to his hometown. Despite their struggles, the members of Laskar Pelangi achieved success, with some becoming a politician, an R&D manager, and scholars at leading universities in Europe.

What is the significance of the school’s survival in the story?

The survival of Muhammadiyah Elementary School is crucial because it allowed the children of Laskar Pelangi to continue their education, defying the odds and inspiring their community. Their education becomes a symbol of hope and perseverance.

Why is Laskar Pelangi's achievement in the quiz competition important?

Laskar Pelangi's success in the quiz competition is significant because they beat other, better-funded schools, proving that passion and determination can overcome financial limitations.

What role did the community play in the children's education?

The community, especially the teachers and school principal, played a vital role in supporting the children of Laskar Pelangi. They provided encouragement, resources, and guidance, fostering a love of learning and perseverance despite external hardships.

How does *Laskar Pelangi* reflect the theme of social inequality?

The story reflects social inequality through the depiction of children from poor mining families who face significant challenges to accessing education. Despite their circumstances, their desire to learn and achieve success serves as a powerful commentary on overcoming societal barriers.