The Life of Transmigration in Iwan Simatupang's Worldview

Abstract

Transmigration is a government program aimed at equalizing the distribution of the population by relocating people from densely populated areas to regions with lower population levels. The program is designed to achieve evenness and unity in the population. Transmigration has significant benefits in improving the quality of life for communities, especially in the agricultural sector. The purpose of this research is to describe (a) the structure of the novel Kering by Iwan Simatupang and (b) the life of transmigration in the novel Kering by Iwan Simatupang. This research adopts a sociological literary approach based on Lucien Goldmann's genetic structuralism theory. The research data consists of words, phrases, clauses, sentences, and paragraphs from the novel "Kering" that contain Iwan Simatupang's worldview towards transmigration life. The primary source of data for this research is Iwan Simatupang's novel "Kering." The life of transmigration is depicted through the characters, plot, and setting in the novel. The research findings reveal Iwan Simatupang's worldview towards transmigration life in the novel "Kering," presented with a cynical tone. Through his story, Iwan Simatupang rejects the existence of transmigration. The benefits of this research are its contributions to literary studies, particularly in the analysis of the novel "Kering" by Iwan Simatupang using Lucien Goldmann's genetic structuralism approach. This can enrich literary analysis methods and add references to sociological literature studies. Additionally, this research helps to enhance understanding of transmigration life in Indonesia, particularly through a literary perspective. By exploring the author's worldview, society can gain deeper insights into the challenges and realities of transmigration life. The research findings, which reveal Iwan Simatupang's cynical view of transmigration, can serve as social criticism of the government's transmigration program. This can encourage discussion and policy evaluation for the improvement of the program in the future.