Syela R. Khasanah

Communication Study in Postgraduate Programme, LSPR Institute of Communication and Business, Jakarta, Indonesia.

DOI : https://doi.org/10.58806/ijsshmr.2026.v5i1n12

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ABSTRACT

This study explores how signs of sexual violence against women are represented in the Indonesian feature film Tuhan, Izinkan Aku Berdosa!, directed by Hanung Bramantyo and written by Ifan Ismail. Utilizing Roland Barthes’ semiotic framework, the research analyzes the film as a structured system of signs that communicates the narrative and emotional dimensions of sexual violence. It further investigates the portrayal of female characters who, despite being deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, are depicted as navigating morally complex choices under systemic pressure. Through scene-based sampling, the study focuses on key visual and narrative elements that signify violence and illustrate the internal conflict of women striving to resist the social and ideological forces surrounding them. The findings underscore how cinematic semiotics can function not only as narrative devices but also as a medium for critiquing gendered power structures and enhancing social awareness regarding violence against women.

KEYWORDS:

sexual violence, semiotics, Roland Barthes, gender representation, Indonesian cinema, power structures

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Cite this Article:Khasanah, S. R. (2026). Signs of Sexual Violence: A Semiotic Analysis of Tuhan, Izinkan Aku Berdosa! INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE HUMANITY & MANAGEMENT RESEARCHS, 5(1), 96-103. https://doi.org/10.58806/ijsshmr.2026.v5i1n12

VOlUME 05 ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2026