Sumartini in Novel Belenggu: A Modern Woman Ahead of Her Time

Long before the issue of women’s equality was widely discussed as it is today, the Indonesian literary world had already presented a modern female figure through the character of Sumartini in Armijn Pane’s novel Belenggu. First published in 1940, the novel not only narrates the complicated relationship between Sukartono, Sumartini, and Rohaya but also depicts the inner turmoil of a woman living amidst changing times.

The character of Sumartini, or Tini, is one of the most compelling female characters in classical Indonesian literature. She differed from the general portrayal of women in that era. Tini was not a figure who merely stayed at home, waited for her husband to return, or submitted entirely to patriarchal social rules. She was presented as an educated woman, active in social activities, and possessing a modern outlook on life.

According to Hanif Ivo Khusri Wardani and Rina Ratih Sri Sudaryani in the journal Citra Perempuan dalam Novel Kala, the image of women is a depiction that can be seen from physical, psychological, and social aspects (Wardani & Sudaryani, 2020, p. 165). These three aspects are strongly visible in Sumartini.

Beautiful, Elegant, and Attractive

Physically, Tini was described as a beautiful woman with her own allure. Her beauty was even praised several times by other characters in the novel, including by her own husband, Sukartono.

“Her body was still beautiful. Tini is indeed beautiful, adept at wearing any clothes. The eye delights in looking at her.” (Pane, 1988, p. 62)

The quote shows that Tini not only had a beautiful face but was also capable of carrying herself with elegance. She dressed well and could appear attractive before others. In the novel, Tini’s beauty was not merely portrayed through her features, but also through the way she carried herself as a modern woman.

However, behind her captivating appearance, Tini concealed profound inner wounds.

A Woman Who Hides Sorrow

Viewed from a psychological aspect, Sumartini is a complex figure. She appeared strong and independent outwardly, but actually harboured much sadness within herself. That feeling was related to her past with Hartono, a figure who had once been in her life before she married Sukartono.

Tini’s sorrow is depicted in the following quote:

“You men do not feel it, how sad it is for a woman, when her soul withers.” (Pane, 1988, p. 125)

In another section, Tini again expresses her feelings:

“If the heart withers within, the feeling of affection vanishes in a woman’s heart, it has become frozen, as if her heart was merely frozen water… that woman, is no longer a woman…” (Pane, 1988, pp. 125-126)

Through these quotes, it is evident that Tini experienced deep emotional emptiness. She likened herself to a withered old leaf. Her heart felt cold and she lost the feeling of affection. Past wounds made it difficult for her to fully open her heart to Sukartono.

This is where the character of Sumartini becomes interesting. She was not a woman depicted as weak or merely emotional. Tini actually showed that women also have complicated inner struggles, just like men.

An Active Woman Who Refuses to Be Restricted

Another aspect that makes Sumartini feel so modern is her social life. According to Rahmah Purwahida in the journal Citra fisik, psikis, dan sosial tokoh utama perempuan dalam novel Hujan dan Teduh, the social image of women can be seen from the roles, social status, and worldview of female characters in the community (Purwahida, 2018, p. 40).

In the novel Belenggu, Tini was described as a woman active in various social activities. She participated in associations and was even delegated to attend the Women’s Congress in Solo.

“From Mrs Rusdio he heard that Tini was very active in associations. The children in the orphanage liked her. She was to be delegated to the All-Indonesia Women’s Congress in Solo.” (Pane, 1988, p. 102)

The quote illustrates that Tini was not a woman who merely dwelled in domestic affairs. She was active in the public sphere and had a concern for her social environment.

Tini’s worldview also demonstrated thinking far ahead of her time. She believed that women had the same rights as men.

This is evident in the following quote:

“If he goes out alone, with no time to accompany me, why may I not go out alone to please my heart?” (Pane, 1988, p. 57)

Then Tini continued her words very firmly:

“We are different, we guide our own fate, we do not wish to wait for men’s charity.” (Pane, 1988, p. 57)

These sentences feel very bold, especially considering the period when this novel was written. At that time, women were still often viewed as figures who had to depend on men. But Tini rejected that notion. She wanted women to have the freedom to determine their own lives.

Sumartini and Contemporary Women

Upon reflection, the character of Sumartini feels very close to modern women today. Many contemporary women are actively working, joining organisations, highly educated, and holding independent life principles like Tini.

However, the novel Belenggu also shows that a strong woman does not mean she has no wounds. Behind her independent attitude, Tini remained an ordinary human being who harboured sorrow and disappointment.

This is what makes the character of Sumartini feel alive and relevant even now. She is not a perfect female character, but rather a woman trying to understand herself amidst social demands and complicated relationships.