This research aims to describe the representation
of multicultural elements in Mata di Tanah Melus children's literature by Okky
Madasari which will be revealed in detail and comprehensively, using Thobroni
and Nurgiyantoro's representation theory. This literary research is a qualitative
research with a literary anthropology approach. The data source used is the
children's novel Mata di Tanah Melus by Okky Madasari. The data collection
techniques in this research are reading, listening, note taking, and library
with coding system. The data analysis used the hermeneutic method. The results
of this study found seven aspects of multicultural elements according to
Thobroni and Nurgiyantoro's representation theory, as follows: 1).
Representation of multicultural elements in the aspect of solidarity and social
brotherhood of the Melus nation, such as a sense of unity in diversity, mutual
support for each other, and solidarity between ethnicities and cultures. 2).
Representation of multicultural elements in the aspect of gender equality, such
as the behavior of giving freedom to women to seek experience, friendship
without discriminating gender, and protecting women and children. 3).
Representation of multicultural elements in the aspect of open trade, such as
economic dependence, bargaining system, and utilizing opportunities in trade.
4). Representation of multicultural elements in the aspect of family values,
such as embracing each other's behavior, solving problems with deliberation,
and mutual cooperation. 5). Representation of multicultural elements in the
aspect of respect for moral values, such as respect for prevailing norms and
respect for elders. 6). Representation of multicultural elements in the aspect
of feeling enough in life, such as accepting what is, and not being greedy. 7).
Representation of multicultural elements of sharing and power control aspects
such as power control over society and self-empowerment.
Keywords: Representation, Multicultural Elements,
Children's Literature, Mata di Tanah Melus.