MYTHS OF SECURITY AND LIFE COMFORT IN THE POEM KEPADA UANG BY JOKO PINURBO: A ROLAND BARTHES SEMIOTIC STUDY

https://doi.org/10.23960/wiyatabudaya.v3i1.2124
Published: Jan 12, 2026

Abstract:

This study aims to describe the representation of money in the poem Kepada Uang by Joko Pinurbo through Roland Barthes’ semiotic approach. The research focuses on the levels of denotation, connotation, and myth to reveal the social and ideological meanings contained in the poem. This study employed a qualitative descriptive method with data collection techniques through library research and textual analysis of diction, symbols, and imagery in the poem.

The results show that money in the poem is not merely interpreted as an economic transaction tool, but also represented as a symbol of life security, emotional comfort, bodily well-being, and the continuity of modern human existence. At the denotative level, the poem presents images of houses, bodies, beds, twilight, and childhood as representations of the lyrical subject’s simple life. At the connotative level, these symbols develop meanings related to protection, life struggles, nostalgia, and human vulnerability. Meanwhile, at the myth level, the poem reflects the social construction of modern society that positions money as a determinant of security, comfort, and human dignity.

This study concludes that the poem Kepada Uang contains a subtle social criticism of modern life, where humans depend on economic sufficiency to achieve peace and stability. Through the symbols of home, body, and childhood nostalgia, Joko Pinurbo portrays how the relationship between humans and money has entered emotional and existential dimensions. This study is expected to contribute to the development of contemporary Indonesian literary semiotics and serve as a reference for understanding social and ideological meanings in literary works.

Keywords:
1. Roland Barthes semiotics
2. poetry
3. Joko Pinurbo
4. myth
5. representation of money
Authors:
1 . Alena Ardinda
Universitas Lampung
2 . Ayu Setiyo Putri
Universitas Lampung
3 . Septia Uswatun Hasanah
Universitas Lampung
4 . Heru Prasetyo
Universitas Lampung
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How to Cite
Ardinda, A. ., Putri, A. S., Hasanah, S. U. ., & Prasetyo, H. (2026). MYTHS OF SECURITY AND LIFE COMFORT IN THE POEM KEPADA UANG BY JOKO PINURBO: A ROLAND BARTHES SEMIOTIC STUDY. Wiyata Budaya: Jurnal Pendidikan Dalam Konteks Humaniora, 3(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.23960/wiyatabudaya.v3i1.2124
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Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026): Wiyata Budaya
Articles
References

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  2. Antonia, N. A. (2023). Semiotic analysis of Roland Barthes’ theory in the poem “Cinta yang Agung” by Kahlil Gibran. IMRECS Journal / RIETM.
  3. Barus, E., & Siregar, E. F. (2025). An analysis of Roland Barthes’ semiotic theory: Focusing on denotation, connotation, and myth. International Journal of Educational Research Excellence, 4(2), 355–363.
  4. Barthes, R. (1972). Mythologies (A. Lavers, Trans.). Hill and Wang.
  5. Barthes, R. (1977). Elements of semiology (A. Lavers & C. Smith, Trans.). Hill and Wang.
  6. Chandler, D. (2007). Semiotics: The Basics (2nd ed.). Routledge.
  7. Culler, J. D. (1975). Structuralist poetics: Structuralism, linguistics and the study of literature. Cornell University Press.
  8. Eco, U. (1986). Semiotics and the philosophy of language. Indiana University Press.
  9. Gibran, K. (2023). Research in education, technology, and multiculture. Journal of Education, Technology, and Multiculture, 2(September), 35–40.
  10. Ilfandi, V., & Carolina, A. (2023). Analisis semiotik Roland Barthes dalam antologi puisi Sapardi Djoko Damono (Suatu kajian semiotik). Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra Indonesia, 8, 55–66.
  11. Jariyah, F. A., & Prihatin, Y. (2024). Suara sunyi dan sajak yang berbicara: Analisis semiotika puisi “Aku dan Sunyi” dan “Kepada Sajakku”. Jurnal Sastra STKIPJB, 12(1).
  12. Jayaningsih, A. A. R., Antara, I. P. J., Ngr, I. G., & Candrakusuma, O. (2025). Analisis semiotika Roland Barthes pada buku kumpulan cerita pendek Sagra. Jurnal Komunikasi, 29–43.
  13. Junaidi, F. (2014). Analisis semiotik sajak Bulang Cahaya. Neliti.
  14. Kanzunnudin, M. (2021). Analisis semiotik Roland Barthes pada puisi “Ibu” karya D. Zawawi Imron. ResearchGate.
  15. Kanzunnudin, M., Bae, G., & Tanggal, D. (2022). Karya D. Zawawi Imron. Sawerigading, 28(2).
  16. Mawaddah, H. M., & Supena, A. (2024). Analisis semiotika teori Roland Barthes dalam kumpulan puisi “Kopi, Kretek, Cinta” karya Agus R. Sarjono. Bahtera Indonesia, 9(2), 554–563.
  17. Rais, F. M. (2025). Semiotic analysis of Roland Barthes on the lyrics of “HOPE” by XXXTENTACION. Journal Audiens, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta.
  18. Salbiah, R., Barthes, R., & Qabbani, N. (2025). Roland Barthes’ semiotic representation in the poem “Asyhadu An Laa Imroata Illa Anti” by Nizar Qabbani. Arsa Journal, 1(1), 22–32.
  19. Wafi, M. A., & Effendi, I. (2023). Roland Barthes’ semiotics in the poem “Asyiq Min Falistin” by Mahmud Darwish. Tamaddun: Jurnal Kebudayaan dan Sastra Islam, 23(1).