The The Resilience of Mothers in the Shadow of Patriarchy

Reading Nanamama Through Andrea O'Reilly Matricentric Feminism in the Novel Kokokan Mencari Arumbawangi

Abstract

This study aims to examine the representation of maternal feminism in Kokokan Mencari Arumbawangi, a novel by Cyntha Hariadi, using Andrea O'Reilly's matricentric feminism perspective. The analysis focuses on Nanamama as a single mother who faces economic, social, and patriarchal structural pressures in sustaining her family's life and living space. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method with a sociological approach to literary analysis. The data consists of narrative passages and dialogues that represent maternal practices, mother–child relationships, and forms of resistance against patriarchal systems. The findings reveal that motherhood is depicted as an empowered and political practice rather than merely a domestic role. Nanamama develops survival strategies through economic independence, moral courage, social vigilance, and ecological awareness. However, these strategies lead to stigma and social exclusion. This study concludes that the novel presents motherhood as a source of strength while simultaneously exposing maternal vulnerability within patriarchal structures.