FUDA - Monday, July 14, 2025 - The Arabic Language and Literature (BSA) Study Program, Faculty of Ushuluddin and Adab (FUDA), UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten, successfully held a seminar entitled “Literature as Social and Cultural Criticism: Reading Gender Injustice from Indonesia to the Arab World”. This activity is part of the Field Professional Practicum (PPL) Orientation series for BSA students.
Taking place in the FUDA Hall, the seminar was attended by students, lecturers, and observers of literature and gender issues from various backgrounds. The event presented speakers across disciplines, including lecturers and the Head of the Arabic Language and Literature Study Program at the Faculty of Adab and Humanities of UIN Raden Fatah Palembang.
The discussion in this seminar highlighted how literary works, both from Indonesia and the Arab world, are used as a medium to voice gender injustice, discrimination, and the dominance of patriarchal culture. In his remarks, the Head of the Arabic Language and Literature Study Program of UIN SMH Banten emphasized that this activity is a form of academic commitment in making literary studies a space for critical reflection on social issues that are still relevant, especially the issue of gender equality.
“Literature is not only present as an aesthetic work, but also as a mirror of resistance to inequality. Through literature, marginalized voices can find space to be heard.” he said.
One session that received particular attention was the discussion of female characters in modern Arabic literature and their struggle against the patriarchal system. The discussion also compared the representation of female characters in Indonesian literature, both of which voice resistance to restrictive social norms.
Seminar participants appreciated this activity because it provided a new perspective on the close relationship between literature, culture and the struggle for social justice. This seminar is expected to trigger the enthusiasm of students to be more critical and active in studying and creating literary works that favor the values of equality.
The activity was closed with a question and answer session and an interactive group discussion. As a follow-up, gender-themed literary writing training is planned to be held in the next semester.
Vice Dean II FUDA, Dr. Hj Eva Syarifah, In his statement, he said:
“Gender studies in literature is now one of the most important analytical approaches in contemporary literature studies. It is no longer seen as a side study, but as a method to understand how social and cultural structures work through representations in literary texts.”
Writer and Editor: Faisal and Alvian
