Freedom
By Sugiarti Siswadi
freedom has changed the face of the world
it rules the mind, the heart and the person
it dispels the mist hanging over the mountains, the valleys
the shores, the fields, the factories and the cities
and the hearts of us, women.
now we are no longer
just giving birth to worker soldiers.
we too are worker soldiers.
no longer are we just wives of people's heroes,
we too are people's heroes
and when the fortresses of obsolete time are smashed
and workers' power stands proudly in our land
we shall no longer only tend the graves
read the prayers and weep for the dead
we shall be part of the foremost ranks.
Source: Contemporary Progressive Indonesian Poetry, 1962
Poem Analysis:
Sugiarti Siswadi's poem Freedom is a powerful testament to the transformative nature of freedom, particularly in the context of women’s liberation and the broader struggle for social and political equality. Through evocative language and a progressive tone, the poem explores the interconnectedness of freedom, identity, and empowerment, while emphasizing the essential role of women in both personal and societal revolutions.
Theme of Freedom and Transformation
The poem begins with a declaration: “freedom has changed the face of the world.” This statement immediately establishes freedom as a monumental force that reshapes not only physical landscapes but also human hearts, minds, and identities. The poem frames freedom as something that liberates both the external world (the mountains, valleys, factories, cities) and the internal world of the individual, particularly the hearts of women.
This opening sets up the poem’s central theme: the transformative power of freedom. It is presented not merely as a political ideal but as an all-encompassing force that liberates the individual from old constraints and paves the way for personal and collective empowerment. The idea that freedom “rules the mind, the heart and the person” emphasizes its deep and pervasive influence over every aspect of human existence, suggesting that true freedom is more than just the absence of oppression—it is the foundation for self-determination and agency.
Women's Liberation and Empowerment
One of the most significant aspects of Freedom is its focus on women’s roles in the struggle for equality and justice. The stanza, “now we are no longer / just giving birth to worker soldiers. / we too are worker soldiers,” serves as a bold declaration of women's evolving status. Historically, women have often been relegated to supporting roles in both the family and society, but here, Siswadi asserts that women are no longer mere contributors through childbirth and domestic duties—they are active participants in the fight for freedom.
This shift from being passive to active agents in their own liberation is critical to the poem’s message. The poem's language highlights a move from traditional gender roles to new possibilities: “we too are people’s heroes,” a line that equates women with the male-dominated image of the "people's hero" in revolutionary struggles. This direct challenge to the conventional narrative of male leadership in such movements underlines the essential contribution of women in shaping the future, not just supporting the past.
Challenging Patriarchal Structures
The line “when the fortresses of obsolete time are smashed” is a striking metaphor for the dismantling of old, patriarchal systems that have historically confined women to subservient roles. The word “fortresses” evokes an image of rigid, impenetrable structures—symbolic of outdated social norms, traditions, and institutions that have held women back. The phrase “obsolete time” further emphasizes that these structures are no longer relevant; they belong to the past and must be destroyed for society to progress.
This revolutionary tone is reinforced by the collective pronoun “we”, which signals unity and shared struggle among women. It is not just an individual’s fight, but a collective, organized effort to break free from these societal constraints. Siswadi’s use of “smashed” rather than a gentler term suggests the necessary violence and urgency of this upheaval, indicating that gradual change is insufficient for true liberation.
Rewriting Women’s Roles in Society
The poem also tackles the subject of mourning and memory. Traditionally, women have often been the caretakers of the dead, tending graves, weeping, and offering prayers. Siswadi challenges this limited role with the stanza: “we shall no longer only tend the graves / read the prayers and weep for the dead.” Here, the poem rejects the notion that women are only to be passive mourners or caretakers, relegated to the background in times of societal upheaval.
The phrase “we shall be part of the foremost ranks” reclaims women’s place at the forefront of the struggle. It signifies a profound shift in women’s roles from passive caretakers to active fighters, directly engaging in the transformation of society. Siswadi portrays women as full participants in the political, social, and economic spheres, asserting that they will no longer be content to stand by and observe—they will lead.
Imagery and Symbolism
The poem is rich with symbolic imagery that speaks to both the individual and collective struggle for freedom. The “mist hanging over the mountains, the valleys / the shores, the fields, the factories and the cities” represents the oppression and ignorance that has historically clouded human existence. As freedom dispels this mist, it reveals clarity and vision, lifting the veil of subjugation. Each of these physical locations—mountains, valleys, factories, cities—symbolizes the various spheres of life, from rural to industrial, where freedom must be achieved.
Siswadi’s poem connects this broad imagery to the specific liberation of “the hearts of us, women.” By situating women’s freedom alongside the broader social revolution, the poem suggests that gender equality is inseparable from the larger struggle for human emancipation.
Tone and Structure
The tone of the poem is assertive and revolutionary. Through its direct address, use of repetition, and collective pronouns like “we” and “us”, the poem builds momentum and a sense of solidarity. Siswadi’s choice of words conveys both defiance and optimism—there is a clear rejection of past oppression, but also a strong belief in the possibility of a liberated future.
The structure of the poem, with its progression from the general concept of freedom to the specific experience of women, mirrors the unfolding of a revolution. It moves from abstract to concrete, from external to internal, reflecting the personal transformation that accompanies broader societal change. The final lines offer a vision of the future where women are no longer confined to traditional roles but instead lead the charge in shaping a new world.
A Revolutionary Vision of Freedom
Sugiarti Siswadi’s Freedom is a bold and visionary poem that celebrates the transformative power of freedom, especially in the context of women’s liberation. It speaks to the ways in which freedom reshapes not only societies but individuals, challenging outdated norms and creating space for new identities and roles. Through its evocative language, powerful imagery, and revolutionary tone, the poem offers a compelling vision of a future where women are fully empowered to take their rightful place in the “foremost ranks” of the struggle for equality and justice.
In conclusion, Freedom is not just a celebration of abstract ideals, but a call to action for both women and society at large to continue fighting for a world where true freedom—political, social, and personal—is realized for all.