The Exploitation of Children in the Novel Tempurung by Oka Rusmini (A Sociology of Literature Perspective)

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue VII, July 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

The Exploitation of Children in the Novel Tempurung by Oka Rusmini (A Sociology of Literature Perspective)

Risa Anjelitha Ashar, Inriati Lewa, Muhammad Syafri Badaruddin
Faculty of Cultural Sciences – Hasanuddin University
Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract: This study aims to reveal the exploitation of children in Tempurung, a novel by Oka Rusmini. The data collection method used in this research is the literature study method. The method of data analysis is the qualitative method. The types of data that will be used in this study are from the novel. The results showed that there were two forms of child exploitation carried out by the parents in the novel. The forms of exploitation that are intended are (1) forced marriage of children, and (2) the sale of children in places of prostitution. The results of this research indicate that the father’s act of forcibly marrying his daughter, and then exploiting his biological child, is immoral and condemnable. The implications of this research will inspire everyone to protect their children and not to do things that destroy the future of the child.

Keywords: child exploitation, Tempurung, Sociology of Literature.

I. INTRODUCTION

Talking about women, numerous studies reveal that they are still a vulnerable group who face a variety of issues such as poverty, natural disasters, conflicts, violence, and so on. This is occurring not only in Indonesia but also in other countries around the world. This is what Oka Rusmini expresses in her novel entitled Tempurung[1].
Tempurung is one of the novels that are very strong in describing various events in social life, especially the Balinese people. The novel describes the life of Balinese people, especially women who are full of pain. The woman in the novel is described as someone who does not have power over herself but is controlled by others. The novel also describes the lives of Balinese people who live by strong customary rules as a way of life. However, in the novel, some characters have behavior that deviates from the applicable rules.
The female characters are present very interesting to analyze in the novel. Each character is portrayed as a woman who is confronted with customs, culture, and society that adheres to the prevailing rules, values, and norms. The story starts with the presence of Ida Ayu or usually called Dayu. She is one of the characters in this novel from the Brahman caste which is very respected in the Balinese community. Dayu is always greeted with respect by people who know her.
Another character is Dayu’s hubby, he is a strangely behaving writer. He will sometimes leave the house for a week without informing his wife. Suddenly, he informed his family via e-mail that he had departed for writing. After a

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