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| Maman Suherman who explained the novel Re and Perempuan. (Photo: Adit PR UMM) |
Re: dan Perempuan is a novel about the life of a lesbian prostitute. The story is also a real thing that existed and was researched when completing the thesis process. It was conveyed by the author of the book, Maman Suherman, in a guest lecture and book review on Tuesday (25/10). This event is the result of a collaboration between the Indonesian Language Education Department (PBI) of the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) and Gramedia.
Furthermore, Maman, as he is usually known, said that although he took criminology, he liked the sociology of literature. Incidentally, the one in charge at that time was Sapardi Djoko Darmono. When he finished his thesis, Maman wanted to turn his scientific work into a book. But people then preferred happy things, not sad and miserable things.
He explained that it all started with his thesis, which studied lesbian prostitution. He even became a prostitute driver for almost two years to get more valid data. Maman left for Surabaya, Jakarta, Medan, Makassar, and four other cities.
“So Re is the name of a lesbian prostitute. He is a descendant of a Sundanese aristocrat. However, because she was pregnant out of wedlock and embarrassed, she ended up in Jakarta and prostitution. His story has many lessons that we can take,” explained Maman.
The writer from Makassar said many exciting things he told in the book. Moreover, all of them are true stories. How is the figure of Re, who becomes a prostitute by taking care of a child, the cruelty of the person who pimps him, to how he survives in a tense condition until death. Even with Re's passion for raising his only child. "In real life, Re's child, which he is currently raising, has a doctorate," he said with a gulp of emotion.
He also did not forget to provide writing tips, namely the 5R. The first R is reading, which is reading. According to him, a good writer is a good reader. Then the second and third R is research and reliability. The writing must have research and cannot be wrong. In contrast, the last two R's are reflecting and w(R)ite.
On the other hand, UMM Vice Chancellor I, Prof. Dr. Syamsul Arifin, M.Si., considered that the figure of Maman Suherman was a person with superior language intelligence. It is evident from his works, articles, novels, and the many forums inviting him.
"I know this Kang Maman from a comedy show on television, namely Indonesia Lawak Club. One of the things I look forward to the most is Kang Maman's interesting, solid, and pleasant notes," said Syamsul.
He hoped that Kang Maman's arrival at UMM White Campus could provide inspiration and positive energy. Moreover, a thesis equivalence program exists in the PBI UMM study program. The students can compose and produce novels, and then they are equivalent. So that students do not need to work on a thesis as a condition for completing their studies.
The manager of Gramedia Group Surabaya, Yulie Dwi Kurniasari, said the same thing. According to him, today's plan aligns with the vision of Gramedia, which wants to spread its wings in the Southeast Asia region to increase literacy. Currently, more than 120 Gramedia are spread across various cities in Indonesia.
"This is also in line with the vision of UMM to reach the milestone of international competitiveness in 2030. So, hopefully, this collaboration can have a positive impact on many parties and can be continued," said Yulie ending. (cdr/wil)
