Myra Abubakar
2023

This study looks into the depiction of women in traditional Acehnese literature during the colonial period, with a special emphasis on the narratives presented in two major Aceh’s hikayat: Hikayat Prang Sabi and Hikayat Prang Gompeuni. The research seeks to identify the complex gender dynamics present in these stories, taking into account the Acehnese gender hierarchy, oral storytelling traditions, and the rich tapestry of ancient cultural norms prevalent during that time.

The project aims to reveal the interplay between social institutions, gender roles, and the literary context of traditional Acehnese writings. Furthermore, its objective is to examine the historical and cultural factors that have influenced the depiction of women and examine the impact of colonial powers on the portrayal of gender roles in traditional Acehnese narratives. Finally, the research aims to examine the current significance of these literary narratives, specifically in relation to the depiction of female heroes in modern-day Aceh.

The project also includes close readings of the selected primary texts, examining language, themes, and cultural nuances. The study encompasses a literature review, archival research, fieldwork, translation, analysis, and scholarly article writing. This project endeavours to contribute valuable insights into the representation of women in traditional Acehnese literature during the colonial era, shedding light on the complex interplay between literature, gender roles, and colonial influences in Acehnese society.

Myra is a doctoral candidate at the Australian National University School of Culture, History, and Language. Her thesis A Study of Female Heroism in Indonesia examines the evolution of female heroism in Indonesia from the nineteenth century to the present, exploring its cultural and political significance. As a lecturer, she taught Indonesian language, literature, and culture at ANU and various institutions in Canberra. Presently, Myra is a recipient of a couple of fellowships and grants for her research on national heroes in Indonesia, including the Evans Fellowship at the University of Cambridge and the Philippus Corts Fund. She is also a Visiting Researcher at the National University of Singapore’s Department of History and a Research Fellow at the Leibniz Institute for Educational Media Georg Eckert Institute. For further information, contact Myra at myra.mentari@anu.edu.au.