Towards a Pancasila-Driven Literary Criticism: Mapping Support, Violation, and Critique in Indonesian Novels

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel framework for literary criticism grounded explicitly in the five foundational principles of Pancasila—Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa (Belief in One God), Kemanusiaan yang Adil dan Beradab (Just and Civilized Humanity), Persatuan Indonesia (Unity of Indonesia), Kerakyatan yang Dipimpin oleh Hikmat Kebijaksanaan dalam Permusyawaratan/Perwakilan (Democracy through Deliberation), and Keadilan Sosial bagi Seluruh Rakyat Indonesia (Social Justice for All)—to examine thematic tensions and affirmations across fifteen representative novels (three per sila) in modern Indonesian literature. By examining how each text supports, violates, or critically interrogates one core sila, this study offers a multifaceted understanding of religious, humanistic, nationalist, democratic, and social justice values in fiction. Drawing on methodology from Pancasila Studies and established interpretive paradigms (cultural materialism; ideological criticism), the framework foregrounds Pancasila as both an ideological lens and a critical yardstick. The analysis demonstrates that novels such as Laskar Pelangi, Saman, and Perempuan Berkalung Sorban vividly illustrate tensions in Sila 1; Sitti Nurbaya, Cantik Itu Luka, and Laut Bercerita interrogate Sila 2; Negeri 5 Menara, Amba, and Bumi Manusia explore Sila 3; Orang-Orang Proyek, Tenggelamnya Kapal van der Wijck, and Belenggu probe Sila 4; and Ronggeng Dukuh Paruk, Entrok, and Gadis Pantai engage Sila 5. Findings reveal that while some narratives reinforce Pancasila values, others deliberately challenge or subvert them, reflecting the dynamic interplay between literature and national ideology. This study contributes to both Pancasila Studies and literary criticism by formalizing “Pancasila Driven Literary Criticism” as a versatile tool for future comparative and contextual studies.