Cultural Construction of Ranggalawe's Leadership in the Historical Novel Ranggalawe Sang Penakluk Monggol by Makinudin Samin: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Abstract

Cultural construction serves to reflect how society shapes, interprets, and transmits values, norms, and collective identity. This study examines the cultural construction of leadership in the historical novel Ranggalawe Sang Penakluk Monggol by Makinudin Samin. Ranggalawe is portrayed as a transformational leader who opposes hegemonic power, positioning justice, morality, and integrity as the core pillars of leadership. The tension between ethical idealism and political reality depicted in this novel reflects universal dilemmas in leadership across different eras. Through a multidisciplinary approach, historical fiction is interpreted as a medium for cultural reflection and contemporary leadership discourse. This study offers new perspectives on ethical governance that are relevant to current local contexts. Ranggalawe is not merely a figure from the past, but an eternal inspiration for future leadership that is just, courageous, and culturally grounded.