An Analysis of Moral Values Reflected in Andrea Hirata’s Novel Laskar Pelangi

Authors

  • Firman Saleh Universitas Hasanuddin
  • Sam Hermansyah Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidenreng Rappang
  • Usman M Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidenreng Rappang

Keywords:

moral values, literary analysis, Laskar Pelangi, character education, novel

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the moral values reflected in Andrea Hirata’s novel Laskar Pelangi. The novel presents a rich portrayal of educational struggles, social inequality, and human resilience, making it a significant literary work for moral and educational analysis. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method with a library research approach. The primary data source is the novel Laskar Pelangi, while secondary data are obtained from books, journals, and related literary theories supporting the analysis. The data are collected through intensive reading, note-taking, and classification of textual evidence related to moral values, then analyzed using moral and literary theory perspectives.

The findings reveal that Laskar Pelangi reflects several dominant moral values, including sincerity and integrity, responsibility and leadership, perseverance in pursuing education, religious faith and ethics, discipline, and the strength of friendship. These values are conveyed through the characters’ actions, dialogues, and life experiences, particularly through the struggles of students and teachers in facing economic limitations and social challenges. The novel emphasizes that moral values play a crucial role in shaping character and guiding individuals to overcome adversity.

This study concludes that Laskar Pelangi not only functions as a literary work but also as a moral and educational medium that offers meaningful life lessons for readers. The moral values presented in the novel are relevant to educational contexts and can be used as references for character education, especially in fostering perseverance, empathy, and moral awareness.

References

Abdul Jalil Jum’uatullaila, Buhari, Syahrir L, & Sam Hermansyah. (2025). The Influences of Using Quizizz in Student’s English Learning Outcomes. INTERACTION: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa, 12(1), 1030–1040. https://doi.org/10.36232/interactionjournal.v12i1.3526

Aeborsold, J. A., & Field, M. L. (1998). From Reader to Reading Teacher. New York: Cambridge University Press.

Astriyanti, D., & Anwar, K. (2016). Improving Students’ Ability in Vocabulary Mastery Through Index Card Match. Edukasi: Jurnal Pendidikan, 14(1), 40–52. httpssi.v14i1.28://doi.org/10.31571/eduka4

Azar, A. S. (2012). The Effect of Games on EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Learning Strategies.International Journal of Basic and Applied Science, 1(2).

Bauer, L. (1998). Vocabulary. London and New York: Routledge.

Bellis, M. (2013). The History of Crossword Puzzles. Retrieved from http://inventors.about.com/

Brooks, N. (1964). Language and Language Learning. New York: Harcourt, Bruce & World Inc.

Brown, J. D., & Rodgers, T. S. (2002). Doing Second Language Research. New York: Oxford University Press.

Buhari, Sam Hermansyah, Ibrahim Manda, Rustam Efendi, Nuraini K, Muhammad Hanafi, & Muliani. (2024). The Relationship Between Professional Competence Acquired Through the Teacher Professional Education (PPG) Program and Teaching Readiness of Teachers at SMP Negeri 6 Pangkajene Sidrap. INTERACTION: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa, 11(2), 760–767. https://doi.org/10.36232/interactionjournal.v11i2.633

Cameron, L. (2001). Teaching Language to Young Learners. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Childers, C. D. (1996). Using Crossword Puzzles as an Aid to Studying Sociological Concepts.

Teaching Sociology, 24(1).

Christensen, L. B. (2006). Experimental Methodology (10th ed.). New York: Pearson.

Departemen Pendidikan Nasional. (2006). Standar Isi untuk Satuan Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah (Standar Kompetensi dan Kompetensi Dasar SMP/MTs, BSNP). Jakarta: Badan Standar Nasional Pendidikan.

Elliot, G. (2010, March 23). Brief History of Crossword Puzzle. Retrieved from http://www.crosswordtournament.com/more/wynne.html

Ersoz, A. (2000). From Six Games for the EFL/ESL Classroom. The Internet TESL Journal, 6.

Fachrozi, I. F., et al. (2021). The Use of Crossword Puzzles as the Way to Increase Students’ Vocabulary Mastery at SMA Taman Siswa Binjai. Linguistic, English Education and Art (LEEA) Journal, 4(2), 249–256. https://doi.org/10.31539/leea.v4i2.1851

Griffe, D. T. (1992). Songs in Action. UK: Prentice Hall International Ltd.

Hadfield, J. (1999). Intermediate Vocabulary Games. Essex: Pearson Education Limited.

Jihan Nurfadillah, Buhari, Lababa, Syamsu T, & Sam Hermansyah. (2024).

Examining Students’ Skills in Differentiating the Meaning Relations of Homonyms, Homophones, and Homographs. INTERACTION: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa, 11(2), 969–980. https://doi.org/10.36232/interactionjournal.v11i2.1306

M.Khairi Mahyudin, & Sam Hermansyah. (2025). ENHANCING HISTORICAL THINKING SKILLS THROUGH DIGITAL LEARNING MODULES: A STUDY OF SECONDARY

Mudinillah, A., Kuswandi, D. ., Erwin, E., Sugiarni, S., Winarno, W., Annajmi, A., & Hermansah, S. (2024). Optimizing Project-Based Learning in Developing 21st Century Skills: A Future Education Perspective. Qubahan Academic Journal, 4(2), 86–101. https://doi.org/10.48161/qaj.v4n2a352

M U, Sari H, Hermansyah S, Maming K, Kahar A, Hasan, Elfahmi FK (2025), "Understanding Indonesian students' reading knowledge in digital literacy within socio-cultural of rural middle schools". International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, Vol. 42 No. 5 pp. 432–448, doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJILT-12-2023-0239

SCHOOL HISTORY EDUCATION IN MALAYSIA. Satmata: Journal of Historical Education Studies, 3(2), 142–151. https://doi.org/10.61677/satmata.v3i2.449

Nur Halima Tahir, Andi Sadapotto, Syahrir L, Buhari, & Sam Hermansyah. (2025). Lecturers’ Strategies for Overcoming the Digital Divide in Online Learning of English Language Teaching (ELT). INTERACTION: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa, 12(3), 626–635. https://doi.org/10.36232/interactionjournal.v12i3.4265

Nila Kencana, Sam Hermasyah, THE DIGITAL DILEMMA: OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS FOR ELT STUDENTS IN THE EVOLVING CLASSROOM. (2025). Language and

Education Journal, 10(2), 290-313. https://doi.org/10.52237/lej.v10i2.312

Nurteteng, N., & Nopitasari, D. (2019). The Use of Crossword Puzzle Towards the Students’ Vocabulary. Interaction: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa, 6(1), 9–17. https://doi.org/10.36232/jurnalpendidikanbahasa.v6i1.284

Rizqi, F., & Usman, S. (2021). The Effectiveness of Using Crossword Puzzle Game to Increase

Students’ Vocabulary. English Language Teaching Society, 9(1), 92–100.

Rohmatillah, R. (2014). A Study on Students’ Difficulties in Learning Vocabulary. English Education: Jurnal Tadris Bahasa Inggris, 6(1), 75–93. https://doi.org/10.36232/jurnalpendidikanbahasa.v6i1.284

Roy, Andi Sadapotto, Sitti Aisa, & Sam Hermansyah. (2025). Investigating The Effect Of Flashcard Towards Efl Learns Vocabulary Mastery At SMP 2 Batu Satap Leppangeng. Macca: Journal of Linguistic Applied Research, 2(2). Retrieved from https://journal.adityarifqisam.org/index.php/macca/article/view/183

Riska Wati, Sam Hermansyah, Isumarni, & Sitti Aisa. (2025). The analysis of students’ interest In learn English of SMPN 6 Satap Baraka. Macca: Journal of Linguistic AppliedResearch, 2(1).Retrievedfrom

https://journal.adityarifqisam.org/index.php/macca/article/view/150

Sam Hermansyah, Buhari, Ibrahim Manda, Andi Sadapotto, Muhammad Hanafi, Andi Asrifan, … Muliani. (2024). Reflection on Learning in Teacher Professional Education (PPG) Strategies to Enhance the Competence of Novice Teachers at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidenreng Rappang. INTERACTION: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa, 11(2), 727–734. https://doi.org/10.36232/interactionjournal.v11i2.628

Sain, Y., & Hermansyah, S. (2025). Exploring the Language Attitudes of the Tolaki Community in Kendari: A Comprehensive Sociolinguistic Analysis. JOLLT Journal of Languages and Language Teaching, 13(2), 983–993. https://doi.org/10.33394/jollt.v13i2.14415

Sam Hermansyah, Syamsu T, Syamsunir, Winda Pratiwi, K., Hamka, N., & Ramli, R. (2025). Improvement of Vocational Skills of SMK Muhammadiyah Rappang Students Through an Entrepreneurship-Based Training Program in Pancarijang District, Sidenreng Rappang Regency. Unram Journal of Community Service, 6(2), 326–333. https://doi.org/10.29303/ujcs.v6i2.987

Sugiyono. (2011). Metode Penelitian Kuantitatif, Kualitatif dan R&D. Bandung: Alfabeta. Sugiyono. (2016). Metode Penelitian Kuantitatif, Kualitatif, dan R & D. Bandung: Alfabeta. Suharsimi Arikunto. (2002). Metodologi Penelitian. Jakarta: PT Rineka Cipta.

Suleha, Yusmah, Aswadi, Jumiati, Muhammad Hanafi, Sam Hermansyah, & Erma. (2024). Analysis of the Implementation of Educational Technology in the Teacher Professional Education Program to Enhance Teachers’ Digital Literacy at UMS Rappang. INTERACTION: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa, 11(2), 735–742. https://doi.org/10.36232/interactionjournal.v11i2.631

Downloads

Published

2026-01-13

How to Cite

Saleh, F., Hermansyah, S. ., & Usman M. (2026). An Analysis of Moral Values Reflected in Andrea Hirata’s Novel Laskar Pelangi. Macca: Journal of Linguistic Applied Research, 2(3). Retrieved from https://journal.adityarifqisam.org/index.php/macca/article/view/230