The Urgency of Postcolonialism Studies in Literature

Key takeaways from the webinar:

• Mr. Ari gave a presentation on the study of Postcolonialism as a way of studying and analyzing literary products such as novels. Through the study of Postcolonialism and, students and researchers of literary science can map the narrative forms commonly used by foreign writers in the written literary products they produce. It is hoped that the results of postcolonialism studies can reveal the symmetrical and asymmetrical relationships of the colonizing nation and the colonized nation. Dr. Ari gave some examples of novels by British writers that positioned the nations of the western world as the main actors in the narrative while the eastern nations only get a complementary position in the novels. Through the lens of postcolonialism studies, we can see how the colonizing nation (Europe or the US) always occupies a dominant position and the colonized nation (Asia and Africa) occupies a marginal position. From Dr. Ari's presentation, we can conclude that postcolonialism studies provide an opportunity to deconstruct the way we, Indonesians, view literary works produced by writers from developed countries and read how former colonial nations view people from the nations they used to colonize.
• Ms. Asri explained the basics of Postcolonialism studies. According to Ibu Ari, the study of Postcolonialism always reminds us that although the former colonies have become independent, in reality these countries are still colonized by ideas, politics, and knowledge controlled by powerful capitalist countries located in Europe and North America. The study of Postcolonialism in literature helps us to see the patterns of colonialism that were carried out in the past and still continue today. In the presentation, Ibu Asri gave some concrete examples of covert colonization actions contained in literary works such as novels, cartoons, and paintings. At the end, Ms. Asri explained how the study of Postcolonialism is an opportunity for scholars from formerly colonized nations to criticize the western world and expose the social inequality, asymmetrical position, and incessant capitalism that are still present in Indonesia, in particular, and in the world today. In closing, Ibu Asri encouraged webinar participants to use Postcolonialism studies as a way to decolonize knowledge that has been controlled by the western world.

Speakers:

1. Dr. Ari J. Adipurwawidjana, M.A. (Head of English Literature Study Program, Faculty of Arts, Universitas Padjadjaran)

2. Asri Saraswati, M.A., Ph.D. (Head of English Literature Study Program, Faculty of Arts, University of Indonesia)

Moderator:

1. Putri A. Dinanti, S.S., M.Hum. (Lecturer of English Literature Study Program, Dian Nusantara University)