SOCIAL CRITICISM ON FORMAL EDUCATION SYSTEMS IN INDONESIA IN CHILDREN'S NOVEL SERIES MATA, OKKY MADASARI

Abstract

This study aims to describe social problems in the educational context which are the focus of author's criticism in the children's novel series Mata by Okky Madasari. This study uses the sociology theory of literature as an approach. The children's novels are Mata di Tanah Melus (2018), Mata and Secrets of Gapi Island (2018), and Mata and Manusia Laut (2019). The results of data analysis are presented using descriptive analysis contents method. Research findings show that in children's stories, social criticism can still be voiced, especially social criticism of the education system. The result of this research was social issues in edication which were the critical focus of the author in the children's novel series Mata. The educational issues in this novel series were: (1) Quality schools are expensive schools, a perception that is not always true; (2) School privatization and parents' ambitions; (3) Homeschooling answers to dissatisfaction with formal education; and (4) Relevance of the curriculum does not suit community needs.