Prophetic Values in A. A. Navis’s Short Story “Robohnya Surau Kami”: A Kuntowijoyean Prophetic Literary Perspective

English

Abstract

This study aims to describe and analyze the representation of prophetic values in A. A. Navis’s short story “Robohnya Surau Kami” by employing Kuntowijoyo’s prophetic literary framework. The research is grounded in the view that literary works function not merely as aesthetic expressions, but also as media of social and religious criticism that reflect humanitarian crises, social inequality, and deviations in religious practice. This study adopts a library research method with a content analysis technique. The research data consist of primary data in the form of the text of “Robohnya Surau Kami” and secondary data comprising theoretical books, Kuntowijoyo’s works, and scholarly articles relevant to prophetic literature and representation studies. The analysis focuses on uncovering the values of humanization, liberation, and transcendence through the elements of characterization, symbols, conflict, and narrative structure. The findings reveal that “Robohnya Surau Kami” represents the failure of prophetic values in the religious practices of society. The value of humanization is manifested through the character of the Old Man (Kakek), who experiences social marginalization and a crisis of human dignity; the value of liberation is represented through criticism of passive resignation, false consciousness, and the tolerance of structural injustice; while the value of transcendence is depicted through the collapse of spiritual awareness reduced to formal ritualism devoid of social responsibility. This study affirms that A. A. Navis’s short story functions as a prophetic critique of formalistic religiosity and underscores the importance of integrating the values of humanization, liberation, and transcendence in religious life.