Wacana Sastera Transendental

One of the main discourses in Islamic Literature in Indonesia is Transcendental Literature as proposed by Kuntowijoyo. This essay is to review his thoughts on the essence of Transcendental Literature. In doing so, his original ideas were compared to aspects of Sufism and Structuralism.According to Kuntowijoyo, transcendental principles are put forward and applied in literary works by using symbolism. Interpretation of the meaning of the symbols is part of the enjoyment in reading these “transcendental works”. Kuntowijoyo also encouraged creative elements, which in Indonesian language are called “inklusivisme” (inclusion of foreign elements in literary works). By discussing and revealing the background,pillars, themes, criterions and Transcendental Literature”s application in literary works, the uniqueness of Islamic Literature in Indonesia can be perceived by practitioners and academics