Ibu Kita Kartini

Most Indonesian women know that today, 21 April 2008, is the most historical day for women in Indonesia. The date rekindled the history of a Javanese woman named Kartini. Kartini was born in Jepara 21 April 1879 into an aristocratic Javanese family. Her father, Raden Mas Sosroningrat, was Jepara regent who had a moderat way of thought. As a noble woman, Kartini was privileged to enjoy royal education. She was believed to be the first Javanese women who attempted to crush the rigid oppressive Javanese tradition against women. She believed that education for women was a means to liberate and empower Indonesian women. Be that as it may, the court wall of Javanese values seemed too powerful. Kartini could do no more except succumbed before her destiny. She was secluded waiting for her future husband.

Due to his deep affection to her ailing father, she agreed to marry to the regent of Rembang, Raden Adipati Joyodiningrat, on 12 November 1903 although this meant that she had to be the fourth wife of the regent. This was against Kartini's aspiration to empower Indonesian women. She was not able to deplete the sprawling tradition as she would like to appease her most beloved father. Kartini passed away not long after she delivered her only son. She died on 17 September 1904 at the age of 25. She was known as a hero for women although she failed to defend herself against women oppression. She became a "kusuma negara" (country heroine) whose birthday is always celebrated in Indonesia.

Some decades ago, many schools celebrated the Kartini's day by conducting fashion shows or carnivals. Female students from elementary to upper secondary schools were requested to wear traditional dress. Nowadays, such celebration is no longer deemed important. Many argue that artificial and ceremonial celebration is meaningless. They believe that Indonesian women must go beyond traditional and obsolete traditions. However, I trust that symbols of cultures are still important as part of educational efforts. We have to hand down symbols and their meanings to the future generations. Don't let them forget their own cultural heritage. To be modern women does not mean that all excellent traditions must be burnt down. Let's remember the song that is always performed on this joyous occassion, namely "Ibu Kartini" composed by Wage Rudolf Supratman.

"ibu kita Kartini, putri sejati
putri Indonesia, harum namanya

ibu kita Kartini, pendekar bangsa
pendekar kaumnya untuk merdeka

wahai ibu kita Kartini
putri yang mulia
sungguh besar cita-citanya
bagi Indonesia"





Ciputat, 21 April 2008