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Celebrating Kartini day, the women of KMP look back on her figure as well as their own aspirations.
Each year Indonesia celebrates Kartini Day on April 21st in commemoration of Raden Ajeng Kartini’s birthday, national heroine and pioneer for women’s education and empowerment in Indonesia. This year, we asked the women of Katingan Mentaya Project what their thoughts of Kartini are, as well as their own aspirations and hopes for the future.
What comes to mind when you hear the name Kartini?
Ayu: National hero, a pioneer of women’s emancipation.
Runie: A strong and independent woman.
Amel: A free-spirited woman.
Siska: When I hear the name Kartini, what comes to mind is women’s emancipation.
Nina: Kartini is a female figure who fought to elevate women’s status in Indonesia.
Dian: A pioneer of women’s emancipation.
Adis: An inspiration to women in Indonesia.
Sundari: A strong woman.
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Any reasoning behind that?
Runie: Learning from her history, R.A. Kartini is a woman who opposes oppression and the degradation of women’s status. In the old times, people's mindset was that women did not have the right to higher education. R.A. Kartini, however, managed to break the glass ceiling. Today, we have the same opportunities as men thanks to her struggles.
Amel: When women were shackled in the past, faced with limitations and few opportunities, Kartini courageously voiced her ideas and opinions through the letters she wrote so that women could get equal rights, education, and opportunities.
Siska: She was a woman who bravely voiced how women can choose and determine their own destiny. She fought for women's rights to earn a proper education, contrary to the beliefs at the time.
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What are your impressions on Kartini?
Ayu: Surely, I admire her.
Siska: With all that R.A. Kartini has done, I simply am proud and inspired by her. How we get to live right now is of course the result of what R.A. Kartini had done in the past. Thanks to Kartini's struggle, today women are free to choose their desired future, whether it be becoming a strong woman like she is, or being a housewife, or pursuing a higher education.
Dian: I commend her. She is a heroine figure who is so inspiring. So big is the impact of her fight for women’s rights to this day.
Sundari: I adore and admire her very much.
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Do you think there are still figures like Kartini this day and age?
Runie: Yes, and they are found within my surroundings and everyday life. Nina: Yes, there are.
Adis: Yes, and they are still abundant.
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Who do you think they are?
Ayu: A mother always comes to mind. The efforts, struggles, and enthusiasm of every mother in raising and educating their children cannot be underestimated.
Runie: First, my mother. She is a contemporary role model for me who has managed to raise me with her own efforts. Then, my strong female friends in the office, especially those who are originally from outside the region and had to leave their families.
Amel: Friends who still fight despite their limitations. Especially women with disabilities who continue to channel their creativity, ideas, and strength.
Siska: From home, work, to my friends, I am grateful to be able to meet all these amazing women. Women who always try to achieve and receive the best for themselves without bringing down others. Thank you, ladies!
Nina: Like the former President of Indonesia, Megawati Soekarnoputri, an inspiring woman who succeeded in leading Indonesia.
Dian: A woman who never gives up, is humble, helpful, and always gives off positive energy to those around her.
Adis: Sri Mulyani, Minister of Finance in Indonesia, Susi Pudjiastuti, owner of Susi Air, as well as all women who dare to leave their comfort zone and fight the stigma that women are weak.
Sundari: The figure of Kartini that I’ve found in today’s day and age is my mother.
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Have you felt equality between men and women at home/work?
Amel: Yes, we are given the same rights and opportunities at home or work to express our opinion.
Nina: Yes, I think I have, there is no difference between men and women, everyone gets the same rights and the same treatment.
Dian: Yes, I have and it has always been that way.
Sundari: Yes, there are no longer differences and boundaries for women, everyone is given the same amount of opportunity.
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Is there a message that you would like to share to other women right now?
Ayu: Keep up the spirit and be strong in facing life's obstacles!
Runie: Keep up the good work, my friends! You are all remarkable and treasured.
Amel: We have various opportunities that are easily accessible this era. Do not waste these opportunities, take advantage of what we have today to upgrade yourself.
Siska: Be what you want and don't forget to appreciate yourself and be a good person.
Nina: As women, we have to be independent, we have to be able to stand on our own feet. That way, we can pursue our dreams to become who we want to be.
Dian: My message is to become a woman with a positive mindset. Don't ever give up, always maintain your dignity as a woman. Pursue the highest education and career possible without forgetting our obligations as women as well. Don't forget to always be grateful and sincere because with these two things, we can be stronger. I hope that we may become the next Kartini and inspire others around us.
Adis: For women, strive to be what you like without forgetting our responsibilities as a daughter, mother, or wife. Don't be limited by the stigma that just because you are a woman, you have limitations.
Sundari: Don't give in too easily to the situation. Fight to the fullest!
Gustia Ayu Rachmawati
Runie Aulia Rianti
Amelia Andini
Siska Noor K. Sari
Nina Permatasari
Dian Kusuma Wati
Adis Triyani
Sundari
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