Women and Prostitution in Suparto Brata's Novel Kremil: A Radical Feminist Study

Prostitution is a pervasive social reality that widely recognized as a 'social problem’. Its emergence is often linked to the societal perception of women's subordinate power, compared to men, in various aspects of life. This perception extends beyond social reality, as the objectification of women is also evident in literary works, thereby reflecting broader societal views. Therefore, a study from a radical feminist perspective is crucial to exploring the issue of prostitution as it affects women. This study employed a feminist literary criticism approach utilizing qualitative research methods. Data was collected from the novel Kremil by Suparto Brata, published in 2002. The research aimed to describe the elements of radical feminism present within the text. The findings indicate the presence of radical feminism elements in the novel. The power imbalance between men and women is portrayed through the doctrines of marriage and traditional bonds that subjugate women. Conversely, the loss of virginity and engagement in prostitution are presented as manifestation of women's agency or power over their own bodies.