Law and Identity: Cinematic Depictions of Muslim Women in Indonesia
Abstract
Many studies have been conducted on Muslim women. However, little research has been carried out about Muslim women in legal-themed films by global researchers. In this regard, this study aims to fill the research gap by exploring Muslim women in Indonesian films with legal content. The study employed a qualitative-interpretive approach, utilizing data collected from the films Perempuan Berkalung Sorban and Tuhan, Izinkan Aku Berdosa. The results of the study showed three categories of Muslim women’s portrayals in the films: first, Muslim women oppressed by the law that is dominated by male perspectives; second, Muslim women who challenge the law; and third, Muslim women who become agents of change in the law These findings suggest that Muslim women’s roles in responding to conservative interpretations of Islamic law include accepting, challenging, and transforming them. This study contributes to the discourse on Islamic law by examining how conservative interpretations of Islamic legal authority—particularly in the domain of family law—are represented, contested, and renegotiated through cinematic portrayals of Muslim women in Indonesian films.
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