Lukman Fahmi, Amiatun Nuryana, Mohammad Rofiq, Darto, Rina Rachmawati
This study examines the rise of sastra dakwah (preaching literature) by Forum Lingkar Pena (FLP) as an ideological response to the liberal-themed “Sastra Wangi” in post-reform Indonesia. The research aims to analyze the expression of da’wah and gender ideology, focusing on power relations between men and women in FLP novels. Using a transdisciplinary narratological approach, this study analyzes seven popular novels by combining narrative, communication, and ideology theories. The findings reveal that FLP novels strategically employ narrative structures to embed Islamic values and frame Islam as the dominant discourse, effectively countering secular narratives. However, a significant ambiguity emerges in gender representation. Although female characters are often portrayed as strong and pious, they frequently remain subordinate within a patriarchal framework, rendering their empowerment more symbolic than structural. The study concludes that FLP novels operate as instruments of soft power for cultural Islamism, presenting a counter-hegemony to secularism while simultaneously reproducing traditional patriarchal values. © 2025.
Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Surabaya, 60237, Indonesia; IKIP Widya Darma Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Surabaya, 60243, Indonesia; Universitas Kiai Abdullah Faqih Gresik, Jawa Timur, Gresik, 61151, Indonesia; SMP Negeri 12 Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Surabaya, 60245, Indonesia; State Polytechnic of Malang, Jawa Timur, Malang, 65141, Indonesia