Empowering Environmental Sustainability through Local Wisdom and Children’s Literature: The Case of Mata dan Manusia Laut by Okky Madasari

Abstract

Children’s literature plays a crucial role in empowering communities for sustainable change. It is able to build awareness, empathy, and critical thinking among young readers through engaging narratives, relatable characters, and thought-provoking themes. In the discourse of sustainability, important concepts such as environmental awareness can also be introduced by children’s literature. By addressing such topics early on, literature equips children with the knowledge and values necessary to become informed and responsible citizens. It acts as a catalyst for shaping the attitudes of the next generation in building a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society. One example of children’s literature that emphasizes the importance of living sustainably is the Indonesian novel entitled Mata dan Manusia Laut by Okky Madasari. This study explores how the novel suggests the concept of environmental sustainability through the use of local wisdom. The novel is analyzed from the perspective of ecocriticism, focusing specifically on how local wisdom promotes the idea of sustainability within a specific community. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach. The results show that the novel reflects a deep understanding of the local community and environment of the Bajau Tribe, and the overall theme of interconnections between humans and nature in the discussion of local wisdom and sustainable efforts. In conclusion, integrating local wisdom into discussions of environmental sustainability by incorporating it into children’s literature can be a way to empower children with the theme of environmental awareness and shape their attitudes towards sustainable living.