The Nation in Selected Short Stories from Suharto’s New Order and Marcos’ New Society

Abstract

The conceptualization of a nation is a persisting theme among artists and writers. Some artists and writers either preserve the status quo or present an alternative version of the nation from their own perception or interaction with the masses and or community. Using the standards on art and literature by PAKSA and LEKRA, the study examines the alternative concept of nation in the works of selected Filipino and Indonesian writers who lived during Suharto’s New Order and Marcos’ New Society. Results show that the works challenge official histories by depicting and narrating the true plight of the people in both rural and urban areas, the role played by members of the Communist party in the struggle for socio-economic and political emancipation, the government’s shortcomings ifnot failure to fulfill its promise, and the impact of the entry of foreign aid and intervention on the Philippines’ and Indonesia’s economies. On the literary and aesthetic side, writers have surpassed the limitations of the short story and successfully used it as a medium to discuss social and political relevant issues. While the Philippine works depict the activist and other progressive elements as heroes, in Indonesia, the role of the activist and other progressive forces in the lives of people is interrogated. The results and discussion affirm that the conceptualization of a nation is an ongoing process and is dependent on the prevailing political times and perspective of the creator of a work. The representation of the nation in the short stories is also important in that it allows room for critical examination on the real plight of the country; thus, challenging official histories.