The  Construction of Tiong Hoa Identity as Portrayed in “Pao An Tui” and “Clara Atawa Wanita Yang Diperkosa” Short Stories

Masnia Rahayu; Nuril Rinahayu; M. Ghufroni An’Ars; Try Ruliyanti

doi:10.33365/teknosastik.v24i2.2701

Masnia Rahayu Universitas Teknokrat Indonesia
Nuril Rinahayu Universitas Islam Negeri Ar-raniry
M. Ghufroni An’Ars Universitas Teknokrat Indonesia
Try Ruliyanti Universitas Teknokrat Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33365/teknosastik.v24i2.2701

Keywords: cultural identity, diaspora, chinese ethnic, tionghoa.

Abstract

Chinese ethnic identity in Indonesia has historically been shaped by hegemonic tension and marginalization. This paper explores the complexities of Chinese ethnic identity in Indonesia through the lens of two short stories, "Pao An Tui" by Dwicipta and “Clara Atawa Wanita Yang Diperkosa” by Seno Gumira Ajidarma. These stories span from the era of struggle against colonial powers to the Reform Era, highlighting the shifting power relations and tensions between the Dutch, Chinese, and Indigenous Indonesians, and later, between the Indigenous and Chinese communities. The hegemony of identity over Chinese ethnicity has often led to social conflicts and marginalization. Drawing on Stuart Hall's theory of Cultural Identity and Diaspora, this paper examines how identity construction is portrayed in the characters of Chinese ethnicity in these stories. Both narratives reflect the struggles and transformations of the Chinese community in Indonesia, capturing the shifts in status, roles, and identity across different historical periods. "Pao An Tui" and “Clara Atawa Wanita Yang Diperkosa”offer valuable insights into the challenges faced by the Chinese ethnic group, shedding light on their complex experiences and social positioning within Indonesian society during critical moments in history. Through the characters' experiences, the narratives emphasize how identity becomes a source of both conflict and resilience in the face of adversity and social injustice.

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