The Portrayal of Women in the Works of Sugiarti Siswadi as the Manifestation of Lekra and Gerwani Ideology

Sugiarti Siswadi was regarded as one of the most influential writers in Indonesia during 1950s and 1960s. She also known an activist Lembaga Kebudayaan Rakyat (People’s Cultural Institute-Lekra) Gerakan Wanita (Indonesian Women’s Movement-Gerwani), both which were closely associated with now-defunct Indonesian Communist Party (PKI). This study analyzes three Sugiarti’s short stories: “Jang Kesepian” (The Lonely One; 1960), “Anak2 Muda” (Young People; 1961), “Si Udin Ketua Klas” (Udin, Class Captain; 1961). The stories, published Api Kartini magazine, address issues about family a social institution. Through plot characterization these dismantles reverses gender roles to express her views woman. shows that stories do not put male female characters into binary opposition. We argue reflect agency extending feminist ideas seen through perspective Lekra/Gerwani activist. As such, she enriched discourse 1960s, recurring theme works.