Sumber:https://infodis.id/dosen-uc-luncurkan-novel-fantasi-angkat-budaya-tionghoa-indonesia/
UC Lecturer Launches Fantasy Novel, Highlighting Chinese-Indonesian Culture
April 15, 2025
Surabaya, infodis.Dr Shienny Megawati Sutanto, S.Sn., M.M., M.Ds., a lecturer at Ciputra University (UC), has launched her latest fantasy novel, “Warisan Dua Dunia.” This novel is unique because it combines elements of Chinese-Indonesian culture, particularly the Lontong Cap Go Meh tradition, into a fantasy storyline. The book’s launch coincides with the Cap Go Meh celebrations.
Shienny, also known as a novelist and illustrator, said she wanted to present Chinese culture organically in the story, not simply as a backdrop. Writing this novel was part of her dissertation, which she completed in June 2024. Her childhood experiences around the Hok An Kiong Temple in Surabaya served as a primary inspiration.
“Writing about culture requires in-depth research so that the presentation doesn’t come across as patronising,” said Shienny at the Ciputra University (UC) Surabaya campus on Tuesday (April 15, 2025).
She acknowledged that the biggest challenge was presenting the culture without seeming forced. The novel features 18 illustrations by Shienny herself, including visualisations of the 12 zodiac signs, which she described as the most complex part of the process. “Drawing the Chinese temple was also quite challenging. It had to be accurate, but still maintain my cartoonish style,” she added.
The printed version of the novel is available in black and white, while the e-book is in colour. Shienny, who has published ten fiction novels since 2010, hopes “Warisan Dua Dunia” (Two Worlds Warfare) can introduce Chinese-Indonesian culture to the younger generation in a fun and entertaining way.
“Through fantasy stories, I want to invite readers to understand culture in a fun way,” she concluded. Despite her busy teaching schedule in UC’s Visual Communication Design program, Shienny remains active and maintains disciplined time management. (Abi)