EXPLORING THE SOCIAL AND CULTURAL REFLECTIONS OF ACEH IN D. KEMALAWATI’S POEM “CUTBANG DI ATAS AWAN”

Abstract

This study aims to analyze D. Kemalawati’s poem “Cutbang di Atas Awan” by integrating intrinsic and extrinsic approaches to reveal its social, cultural, and spiritual meanings. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method, the analysis focuses on the poem’s theme, diction, figurative language, imagery, symbols, and message, as well as its relation to Aceh’s post-war sociocultural context. This study is the first to apply an integrated intrinsic-extrinsic framework to this poem. The findings indicate that the poem reflects both the trauma and resilience of the Acehnese society in the post-conflict period, as illustrated in the lines “disambut ceurana retak, ranup masak dan hidangan meulod tanpa zikir” and “ia menjadi gasing di kampung sunyi, bertahan kaki di lahan pecah.” Intrinsically, the poem employs local diction such as cutbang, ceurana, ranub, meulod, and saleum as cultural symbols that represent survival, identity, and spirituality. Extrinsically, these symbols are linked to the historical and religious dimensions of Aceh’s recovery, portraying the transformation of traditions and values in the face of social disruption. The integration of these two dimensions demonstrates that the poem functions both as an aesthetic expression and as a medium for social and cultural reflection. The research concludes that D. Kemalawati’s poetic voice embodies female perspectives on post-conflict identity and spiritual restoration, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of contemporary Acehnese literature as a site of cultural memory and resilience.