Subversive poetry as collective therapy for the lower class: an empirical study in Indonesia during the new order (1966–1998)

Closed

Anas Ahmadi

2025 Journal of Poetry Therapy Article Cited by 1 SDG 3 Quartile

Abstract

Studies on poetry in the context of collective therapy have not been widely conducted; therefore, this paper attempts to fill this gap. In this regard, this study attempts to examine therapeutic poetry that defended the lower classes in Indonesia during the New Order regime (1966–1998). Indonesian poets used poetry as a tool for social criticism of the authorities, which actually served as therapy for the lower classes. However, for the government, the poetry became a subversive tool that endangered the ruling government. The poets fought against the New Order regime by criticizing it through poetry. By the ruling government, the poems were considered subversive. For this reason, Indonesian poets were banned from performing on stage, imprisoned for endangering state security, and there are even allegations that the ruling regime also killed poets. The poets provide therapy for the lower class by defending them through the poems they write. © 2025 National Association for Poetry Therapy.

Affiliations

Indonesian Language and Literature, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia

Research at a Glance

Premium content — register to unlock

Research at a Glance

Register to unlock

Topics & SDG Alignment

Premium content — register to unlock

Topics & SDG Alignment

Register to unlock

Collaboration

Premium content — register to unlock

Collaboration

Register to unlock

Author Profile (Selected)

Premium content — register to unlock

Author Profile (Selected)

Register to unlock

References Overview

Premium content — register to unlock

References Overview

Register to unlock

Journal & Source

Premium content — register to unlock

Journal & Source

Register to unlock

Metadata & Integrity

Premium content — register to unlock

Metadata & Integrity

Register to unlock