West poetics derived from Aristotle's theory of the autonomous structure of literary works so strongly inspired the Indonesian literary. The superior literary according to Aristotle must have four main requirements, namely order, complexity, unity, and coherence. Order, complexity, unity, and the interrelation of the elements of the storyline are important tools that direct readers' responses and judgments to literary work. This conception held firmly by Western and Indonesian authors in general is not entirely applicable to Umar Kayam. One distinguishing feature of Umar Kayam with other Indonesian author is ‘against’ the conception of complexity of Aristotle. The complexity of the works of Umar Kayam not built on the principles of the tragedy a la West who emphasized the tragic effects or adverse events wrenching impact of the conflict is not resolved. The conflicts in the works of Umar Kayam are always resolved based on the values of local wisdom, within the framework of Javanese ethics , namely rukun or harmony, so that the storyline seems flat, almost no open conflict. This kind of phenomenon is certainly interesting to study to find out how the values of local wisdom are appreciated by the next generation and how effective literary works become a vehicle for its spread.