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Abstract
This article examines the deconstruction of identity in Leila S. Chudori's Pulang through a postcolonial perspective. The novel, set against the backdrop of the New Order period and the diaspora experience, offers an in-depth look at how individual and collective identities are shaped and deconstructed under the influence of colonialism and postcolonialism. Through deconstructive analysis, this article identifies how the experiences of colonial and postcolonial regimes, as well as the context of globalisation, influence the understanding and representation of identity in the novel. The findings show that the identity of Dimas Suryo, the main character, is the result of a complex interaction between historical trauma, exile, and socio-political change. The research found that the narratives of identity in Pulang reflect the struggle to maintain the original identity amidst political and social pressures, as well as the negotiation of a new identity in a global context. The implications of these findings make a significant contribution to the development of postcolonial theory by highlighting the importance of local context in identity analysis. In addition, this article recommends further research to explore the interaction between local and global identities in other Indonesian literary works, as well as considering the impact of contemporary social change on identity formation. As such, this research not only expands the horizons of postcolonial theory but also offers new insights into the wider study of Indonesian literature.