Education and Culture

Introduction Hegemony of power is a concept that explains how a dominant group maintains its control not only through coercion but also through social and cultural consent. Antonio Gramsci, an Italian philosopher and political activist, developed this theory by emphasizing that power does not only operate through the military or law but also through control over ideology, education, and media. In modern life, hegemony can be seen in various aspects such as politics, media, and economics. This article will discuss how hegemony works and provide specific examples from different social contexts. Definition of Hegemony of Power Simply put, hegemony is the dominance of one group over another through ideologically formed consent rather than mere coercion. According to Gramsci, the ruling class not only controls economic resources but also shapes people's ways of thinking so that they accept the existing system as something natural and unchangeable. For example, in many capitalist countri...

The song Bayar Bayar Bayar by the punk band Sukatani became a hot topic on social media due to its sharp lyrics criticizing bribery within the police institution. Although the song was eventually withdrawn and the band issued an apology, its presence sparked a broader discussion about freedom of expression, art as a tool for social critique, and the fine line between criticism and defamation. Throughout history, music has served as a powerful medium for expressing social unrest. From Bob Dylan’s Blowin’ in the Wind, which criticized war, to Iwan Fals’ songs that highlight social inequalities in Indonesia, music has the power to document, reflect, and even provoke social change. The lyrics of Bayar Bayar Bayar speak to an experience familiar to many when dealing with bureaucratic corruption. This song is not merely an outburst of anger but also a representation of an undeniable social reality. In this case, punk music serves as a channel for voicing frustrations against a flawed system....

Novel Larung (2001) karya Ayu Utami merupakan lanjutan dari Saman yang mempertajam eksplorasi kebebasan individu, spiritualitas, dan kritik sosial-politik pascareformasi. Novel ini penuh dengan simbol dan metafora yang menggambarkan pergulatan batin tokoh-tokohnya dalam menghadapi trauma, seksualitas, dan ideologi. Salah satu simbol paling menonjol dalam novel ini adalah tindakan "larung," sebuah konsep yang dalam budaya Jawa sering dikaitkan dengan ritual pelepasan atau pembersihan spiritual. Tindakan larung dalam novel ini menjadi titik tolak bagi berbagai interpretasi: apakah ia merupakan bentuk penolakan terhadap nilai-nilai tradisional, bentuk perlawanan politik, atau justru pencarian makna spiritual yang lebih dalam? Melalui pendekatan hermeneutik dan intensionalisme, kritik ini akan membandingkan bagaimana makna tindakan larung dapat dipahami dari sudut pandang pembaca dan niat pengarang. Simbol Larung: Antara Pelepasan dan Perlawanan Dalam tradisi Jawa, upacara larung...

When we talk about education in Indonesia, the name Ki Hajar Dewantara always comes to mind. He is not only the Father of Indonesian Education but also the pioneer of an educational philosophy that emphasizes freedom, role modeling, and character building. So, what exactly is Ki Hajar Dewantara’s approach to education? 1. Learning with Freedom: Education that Liberates Ki Hajar Dewantara believed that education should free individuals, not just teach memorization or produce workers. He wanted every child to develop according to their own talents and interests rather than being forced to follow a rigid system. This concept is similar to today’s Merdeka Belajar (Freedom to Learn) policy in Indonesian schools. 2. The Three Pillars of Education: Ing Ngarsa Sung Tulodho Ki Hajar Dewantara’s educational philosophy is well known for the motto: Ing ngarsa sung tulodho (in front, setting an example) Ing madya mangun karso (in the middle, encouraging enthusiasm) Tut wuri handayani (at the back, ...