A Semiotic Analysis of Gus Mus’s Poems Kaum Beragama Negeri Ini and Selama Ini di Negerimu: A Roland Barthes Perspective

Abstract

This study aims to describe the denotative, connotative, and mythic meanings in the poems Kaum Beragama Negeri Ini and Selama Ini di Negerimu by Ahmad Mustofa Bisri, utilizing Roland Barthes' semiotic framework. The research data consist of words, phrases, and sentences from both poems that embody denotative, connotative, and mythic meanings. A qualitative descriptive method was employed, with data collection involving the reading, comprehension, and recording of poem segments containing semiotic signs. Data analysis was conducted by identifying signs, classifying the data, and subsequently analyzing meanings based on Roland Barthes' semiotic theory. The results indicate that both poems by Gus Mus contain denotative, connotative, and mythic meanings related to social criticism and humanity. The denotative meaning reflects the literal sense of the words used, while the connotative meaning reveals criticisms regarding religious fanaticism, poverty, social injustice, and the erosion of human values within society. Furthermore, the mythic meaning in both poems highlights social perspectives accepted as natural by the public—such as the notion that religious symbols outweigh human values, or the view of poverty as a commonplace aspect of social life. Through the use of simple symbols, Gus Mus successfully conveys profound moral messages and social critiques regarding the reality of life in Indonesian society.