Analisis Foto Jurnalistik Sungai “Sejuta Sampah” Karya Garry Andrew Lotulung di Kompas.com

Abstract

Photojournalism with social and environmental issues (Sosial dan Lingkungan) used by photographers as a tool to convey stories and messages about the social life of the community and river pollution. One example is the indiscriminate dumping of garbage into the river in the Jati Bunder area, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, which depicts the reality of the condition of residential areas surrounded by garbage. Based on this background, Garry Andrew Lotulung documented the description and situation and environmental conditions in the area. The purpose of  this  study  is  to  determine the semiotic meaning  of  the photojournalism of the river "A Million Trash". This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. Data were obtained from documentation and non-participant observation. In this study, the photographs studied used Roland Barthes' semiotic analysis method, which emphasizes the meaning of signs in works of art (photography) through three stages, namely: denotation, connotation (Trick Effect, Pose, Object, Photogenia, Aesthetic, Syntax), and myth. These stages are interpreted or given meaning by researchers according to their background and abilities. The results of this study indicate that these photographs depict the condition of a river filled with garbage. The denotative meaning shows the condition of the river environment that is scattered without engineering, while the connotative meaning describes the condition of the residents' settlements that reflect  poverty  and  a  lack  of  awareness  and  attention  to  environmental cleanliness. From the analysis of the meaning of myth, the dirty and garbage- filled environmental conditions are the result of human actions themselves. This study found that the photographs effectively convey a strong message about pollution. The significance of this study lies in increasing public awareness of the impact of pollution on quality of life. The suggestions produced include the need for environmental education programs to increase awareness and preventive measures against pollution.