Essay Questions

Why does Dalang tell the audience that this play does not take place in Indonesia?

Dalang says to the audience at the opening of the play that the story doesn't happen in Indonesia. The reason this is important is that many artists in Indonesia, including Rendra, were subject to censorship by Suharto's government. Anyone who criticized his ways would be silenced and not allowed to perform their plays as intended, this happened often and because everyone knew that Suharto would censor art works critical of his government it became a tool for satirical comedy, which Rendra uses to open The Struggle of the Naga Tribe.

What is the irony of Abivara being sent overseas to be educated?

It is considered a great privilege to study overseas at Western universities for those from Astinam. They gain a broader understanding of the world while being taught by some of the most respected minds in formal education. The irony of it is based in Big Boss' comment to Mr. Joe. He speaks of sending the youth to Western schools overseas in order to teach them to use industrial tools. Thus, what he is saying is that businesses are shifting the ideology of a culture by educating the next generation to believe that Western ideologies, including industrialization are the best way to make advancement in the world. They are narrowing the focus of the people in order to continue to make profits, which completely takes away the free-thinking represented in Abivara's character and replacing it with a factory made thought process and attitudes.

How does Mr. Joe convince Sri Ratu to give access to the Naga copper mine to Big Boss?

Mr. Joe has come to Astinam on business, he wants to gain access to the copper mines in Astinam which are located next to the Naga lands. He has come on behalf of Big Boss, an international millionaire. As a bribe, Mr. Joe has brought a diamond for the Queen which is valued at one million dollars in order to avoid any delays. Sri Ratu eagerly accepts and gives them the land that belongs to the Naga people.