BIOGRAPHY OF R.A KARTINI

 Biography of R.A Kartini

Raden Ajeng Kartini was a leading feminist of women emancipation in Indonesia who was born on 21 April 1879 in Jepara, Central Java. Her father, Raden Mas Sosroningrat, was the mayor of Jepara. During that period, women received little or no education at all. Women would end up giving birth and stay in the kitchen all the time. Kartini rebelled in her quiet way against this injustice and inspired the women of her nation to achieve more than what the society allowed them.

Kartini went to a Dutch school (Europese Lagere School) where she learnt to speak Dutch fluently, which was unusual for Javanese women at the time. But when she was 12 years old, her father prohibited her from continuing her studies because of the tradition. A noble girl was not allowed to have a higher education.

She learned by herself at home and spent her times reading books. She was very concerned about women’s education in Indonesia. From the books, newspapers, and European magazines that she read, she was very interested in European women’s way of thinking. She determined to enhance the education of Indonesian women. Kartini then established a school especially for women where she taught how to read and write as well as other important skills.

November 8, 1903, she wed the regent of Rembang, Raden Adipati Joyodiningrat. Kartini gave birth to her only son, RM Soesalit, on 13 September 1904. Unfortunately, Kartini passed away several days later on 17 September 1904 at the age of 25. She was buried in Bulu Village, Rembang.

Following Kartini’s death, Mr. J.H Abendanon published a book called “Door Duisternis Tot Licht” (Through Darkness to Light) which consists of the collection of Kartini’s letters to her friends in 

Netherlands.

To honor Kartini’s effort, a school for women was built by Kartini Foundation in Semarang in 1912.In 1964, President Soekarno stated Kartini as Indonesian Heroine and set Kartini’s birthday, 21 April, as the Indonesia National Day (Kartini’s Day).

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