A Study of Feminism in Geni Jora

Abstract

Abidah El Khaliqey initially gained fame as a poet in Indonesia. She gained recognition as a novelist when her first novel entitled Wanita Berkalung Sorban was published in 2001. Abidah Khaliqey came from a religious upbringing in Menturo,Jombang, East Java Indonesia. El Khaliqey’s poems and short stories were published in co‐written anthologies for example Sangkakala (1988), Kafilah Angin (1990), Negeri Bayang‐Bayang (1996) and her own anthology entitled Ibuku Laut Berkobar ( 1997). This study focus on Geni Jora and feminism theory. The tale of Geni Jora revolves around Kejora’s efforts to survive in a patriarchal world from childhood to adulthood. As a novel written by a female writer, it is only logical that Geni Jora portrays a female protagonist to personify the feminist ideals of women’s equality and contempt of patriarchy. The type of feminism found in this novel is ‘Mitra Sejajar’(equally). The equality that El Khaliqey wants to bring forth is too bold and aggressive, so much so that Kejora loses her more commendable attributes, that of a woman who adheres to her religion. This shows that the feminism ideals held by Kejora has driven her to the depths of immorality and has carried her away from the path of a Muslim woman.