Analisis konsep pendidikan kritis dalam novel Laut Bercerita karya Leila S. Chudori

Abstract

This study analyzes the concept of critical education contained in the novel Laut Bercerita by Leila S. Chudori, a work of historical fiction and literary monument that records a traumatic period in Indonesian history, namely the kidnapping of activists at the end of the New Order. This novel functions implicitly as a critical education text, challenging the narrative of Single Power and inviting readers to uncover forced truths. This study uses a qualitative research method with a focus on content analysis and the critical educational criticism approach (critical pedagogy) initiated by Paulo Freire as the main lens to identify and interpret the deep and implicit concepts of critical education behind the literary text. The results of the analysis show that this novel embodies the concept of critical education through radical non-formal educational practices. These practices are manifested in underground discussions, reading of banned books, and protest actions that constitute Freirean culture circles that reject banking education. Furthermore, this novel has the potential to fill the gap in critical thinking skills in Indonesian children, so that it can be positioned as a hidden curriculum. Critical education in the novel is analyzed through four main thematic pillars: first, the dialectic of oppression and freedom, where characters choose collective action (praxis) against oppressive realities. Second, freedom against fear, which shows activists consciously choosing freedom despite facing extreme risks and rejecting the manipulation of the regime's narrative. Third, solidarity as an epistemic and existential force, where knowledge and critical awareness are acquired through collective reflective action (praxis) that affirms their human dignity. Fourth, an analysis of the risks of blind obedience and the immorality of neutrality, which strongly criticizes the silence of society that implicitly supports oppression.