The role of newspapers published in North Sumatra during Indonesia's independence struggle between 1916-1925: A discourse analysis

Abstract

Background: In the history of Indonesian independence, newspapers not only functioned as a medium of information but also as a tool for the struggle for independence. This is because of the role of newspapers in bringing out the spirit of nationalism and the concept of “nation” to the Indonesian people through various writings and reports in each edition. This study aims to describe the form of Indonesia's struggle for independence in newspapers published in North Sumatra in 1916-1925. Methods: This research uses the critical discourse analysis method. The research data are in the form of texts published in thirteen indigenous newspapers published in North Sumatra in 1916-1925. Data analysis used three structures of Teun A. van Dijk's discourse analysis model, namely: macrostructure, superstructure, and microstructure. Results: From 1910-1925 there were 24 indigenous newspapers published in North Sumatra. Of these, there were 13 newspapers demanding Indonesian independence: Soeara Djawa, Pewarta Deli, Benih Merdeka, Perempoean Bergerak, Soeara Bondjol, Sinar Zaman, Orgaan Bataksche Studiefonds, Andalas, Mandailing, Warta Timur, Al Moektabas, Tjermin Karo, Soeara Batak. These newspapers published articles that fought for Indonesian independence by demanding Indonesian independence openly, criticizing various policies of the Dutch Colonial Government, and building awareness of Indonesian nationalism. Conclusion: The role of newspapers in the struggle for Indonesian independence in North Sumatra in 1916-1925 can be seen from the findings of 51 articles demanding Indonesia's independence from Dutch colonialism, criticizing the policies of the Dutch colonial government, and building the spirit of nationalism to encourage the Indonesian people to fight for their independence.