Tagorian Postcoloniality in Indonesian Literature: Reflections on the Process of Cross-Cultural Interaction

Abstract

This study discusses the influence of Rabindranath Tagore's thought on the Pujangga Baru literature in Indonesia. This influence is important to be examined due to the shared historical experiences between the two countries as former Western colonies. The problem addressed is how Rabindranath Tagore's thought, based on Hindu teachings, was reflected in the works of Pujangga Baru writers in Indonesia, and how the worldview and writing style of Indonesian writers were shaped by this Tagorian influence. The theory used to analyze this issue is Edward Said's (1978) postcolonial theory of Orientalism, which was later developed by Gayatri Spivak, Homi Bhabha, and Peter Barry. This study is qualitative and descriptive research. Data collection was conducted through a literature review using techniques of reading, identifying, and classifying Pujangga Baru literary works that were influenced by Tagore. The data were analyzed using an interpretative method by interpreting the content and meaning of Tagore's literary works and those of the Indonesian Pujangga Baru writers. The results of the study show that Tagore was an inspiration for the Pujangga Baru writers in Indonesia. Tagore's works in poetry, short stories, novels, drama, and translations are reflected in the works of Pujangga Baru era writers. Four Indonesian writers—Sanusi Pane, Mohamad Yamin, Amir Hamzah, and Amal Hamzah—were successors of Tagore's spirit and ideals (Tagorian) in Indonesia. In terms of postcolonial literary content and form, these four writers adopted and adapted Tagore's works. In terms of writing style, Indonesian writers engaged in cross-cultural interaction between India and Indonesia.