Inequality in Access to Education in the Novel Dia Adalah Kakakku by Tere Liye: A Sociological of Literature Study

Abstract

This study aims to describe and analyze forms of inequality in educational access experienced by characters and to reveal the author’s social criticism of public education reflected in Tere Liye’s novel Dia Adalah Kakakku through a sociology of literature approach. Data collection was conducted online via the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia and Regional Libraries over a three-month period from February to April 2026. This qualitative descriptive research based on library research applies Alan Swingewood’s sociology of literature approach to analyze the novel as a socio-cultural document. The object of this study focuses on the novel text Dia Adalah Kakakku by Tere Liye (Republika Publishing, 2018, 398 pages), with textual sample respondents consisting of utterances, dialogues, background descriptions, and actions of the main character Laisa and her siblings. The primary instrument was the researcher, assisted by a document analysis guide and data corpus tables. Data analysis techniques applied qualitative content analysis integrated with the Miles and Huberman model, encompassing data reduction, descriptive-dialectical presentation, and conclusion drawing through textual read-and-note techniques. The results indicate three main findings: (1) the geographical isolation of Lahambay Valley and structural poverty trigger limitations in school facilities and force the sacrifice of Laisa’s educational rights; (2) Tere Liye’s authorship position acts as a social witness articulating the worldview of rural communities; and (3) the novel serves as social criticism exposing hidden costs (operational, housing, and uniform expenses) in the educational system.