Meaning of corruption in Hakim Sarmin Presiden Kita’s drama: a theater semiotics analysis

This study aims to examine the meanings of the signs of corruption in Agus Noor’s drama ‘Hakim Sarmin Presiden Kita’ (Judge Sarmin Our President). This study uses a semiotic theater approach that focuses on drama text rather than performance text. The research used a qualitative approach. The results of this study indicate that corruption has plagued high-ranking officials (Menawi Diparani), the judiciary (Hakim Sarmin), and the parliament (Bungkusane Mareki). Only a few judges are not corrupt, namely, Judge Ngatimin. The characters’ corrupt behavior in the story semiotically refers to that of officials in the Indonesian Reform Era. Corruption in the drama ‘Hakim Sarmin Presiden Kita’ refers to the connotative meaning of the corrupt behavior of high-ranking officials and judges in the Indonesian Reform Era. The meaning of this drama is futuristic. Even though the drama was staged in 2015, the meaning of corruption remains relevant today. The problem of corruption in Indonesia continues to this day. In fact, the regime changed from the notoriously corrupt New Order Era (1967–1998) to the Reform Era (1999–present). Furthermore, Judge Ngatimin’s refusal to commit corruption conveys the idea of judges in Indonesia who still possess integrity and are consistent with the correct legal norms.