Catatan Pinggir Goenawan Muhammad Pdf 14: A Review Of The Latest Volume Of The Renowned Column

Catatan Pinggir Goenawan Muhammad Pdf 14: A Review of the Latest Volume of the Renowned Column

Catatan Pinggir, or Caping for short, is a column written by the Indonesian writer Goenawan Muhammad for the magazine Tempo. It has been published in book form in ten volumes, with the latest one, Catatan Pinggir 14, released in 2020. In this article, we will review the content and style of this volume, and explore why it is worth reading for anyone interested in Indonesian culture, politics, and literature.

Catatan Pinggir Goenawan Muhammad Pdf 14: A Review of the Latest Volume of the Renowned Column

Catatan Pinggir 14 contains 52 essays that cover various topics, ranging from personal reflections to social critiques. Some of the themes that recur in this volume are democracy, religion, violence, art, history, and language. Goenawan Muhammad writes with a sharp and insightful perspective, drawing from his extensive knowledge and experience as a journalist, poet, activist, and intellectual. He also employs a poetic and lyrical language that enriches his arguments and captivates his readers.

One of the highlights of this volume is the essay "Kata dan Kekerasan" (Words and Violence), which examines how language can be used to justify and perpetuate violence in society. Goenawan Muhammad analyzes how words such as "terrorist", "infidel", "enemy", and "martyr" can create a binary opposition between "us" and "them", and how this can lead to dehumanization and discrimination. He also explores how words can be used to resist and challenge violence, by creating alternative narratives and meanings that promote peace and dialogue.

Another notable essay is "Seni dan Kebenaran" (Art and Truth), which discusses the role of art in revealing and expressing truth. Goenawan Muhammad argues that art is not only a form of aesthetic pleasure, but also a way of questioning and criticizing reality. He cites examples of artists who have used their works to expose injustice, corruption, oppression, and hypocrisy in society. He also reflects on his own experience as a poet and a columnist, and how he has tried to use his words to convey his vision and values.

Catatan Pinggir 14 is a valuable addition to the collection of Catatan Pinggir books, which have been praised as one of the most interesting works of writing in Indonesia. It offers a glimpse into the mind of one of the most influential and respected figures in Indonesian culture, who has been writing for more than four decades. It also provides a stimulating and enlightening commentary on the current issues and challenges facing Indonesia and the world. Catatan Pinggir 14 is a book that will inspire and provoke its readers to think critically and creatively about their own society and culture.

One of the challenges of reading Catatan Pinggir 14 is to understand the context and background of the essays, which often refer to specific events and figures in Indonesia and abroad. For example, in the essay "Pemilu dan Pemimpin" (Election and Leader), Goenawan Muhammad comments on the 2019 presidential election in Indonesia, which was marked by polarization and controversy. He criticizes both candidates, Joko Widodo and Prabowo Subianto, for their lack of vision and integrity, and calls for a more democratic and participatory political culture.

Another example is the essay "Kematian dan Kebangkitan" (Death and Resurrection), which reflects on the life and legacy of the Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir, who was ousted by a popular uprising in 2019. Goenawan Muhammad compares him to other dictators who have ruled with violence and oppression, such as Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi, and Bashar al-Assad. He also questions the role of religion and ideology in legitimizing their power, and the possibility of change and justice in their countries.

To appreciate Catatan Pinggir 14 fully, it is helpful to have some familiarity with the Indonesian and global history and current affairs. However, even without such knowledge, one can still enjoy the richness and diversity of Goenawan Muhammad's thoughts and expressions. He writes with a sense of curiosity and wonder, as well as a sense of humor and irony. He invites his readers to join him in his journey of exploration and discovery, and to share his passion and wisdom. 04f6b60f66