Postcolonialism in Indonesian literature is about how Indonesian writers tell stories, poems, and novels that depict events during Dutch colonial rule and how people felt about freedom and identity. Before the Dutch came, Indonesian literature mainly was based on traditional stories and myths. But during the 300 years of Dutch rule, writers began using Western forms, such as novels and poems, to talk about their struggles.

One famous example is Pramoedya Ananta Toer’s work "Buru Quartet," a series of four novels. It tells the story of Minke, a young Javanese man educated under the Dutch. The books show how colonialism divided society between the Dutch, mixed-race people, and native Indonesians. Minke fights injustice and searches for identity through his writing and actions. These novels discuss unfair social classes and the hope of resisting and being proud of Indonesian culture.

Today, scholars also study how Indonesian literature talks about the environment, how colonialism harmed nature, and how people fought to protect it. Writers show how the damage to the land and nature is connected to the colonial past, and they encourage caring for the environment and learning from history.

Indonesian literature evolved from traditional stories to modern forms, becoming a way to criticize society and keep culture alive. These works help people understand their history, strengthen their identity, and work toward justice and independence. So, postcolonial Indonesian literature is about resisting colonialism, showing who Indonesians are, and caring about social and environmental issues. And it plays an important role in Indonesia’s history and culture.

Reference:

“POSTCOLONIAL PERSPECTIVES ON INDONESIAN LITERARY WORKS UNDER DUTCH COLONIALISM”. 2025. Argopuro: Jurnal Ilmu Bahasa 11 (2): 101-10. https://ejournal.cahayailmubangsa.institute/index.php/argopurojournal/article/view/5587.

Content Writer: Della Aulia Feronica

Editor: Florenia Neve Suryani