Raden Ajeng Kartini Djojo Adhiningrat was born on April 21, 1879 in Mayong, Jepara, Central Java. She came from a Javanese aristocratic family. Her father, Raden Mas Adipati Ario Sosroningrat, was a regent of Jepara who had progressive thoughts and supported education for his children, including Kartini. Her mother, M.A. Ngasirah, was not the main wife, but Kartini was very close to her and inherited her spirit and determination.
As a noblewoman, Kartini had the opportunity to receive a better education compared to most women of her time. She attended Europeesche Lagere School (ELS), a Dutch-language elementary school that opened her horizons to Western ideas. However, Javanese tradition at that time required girls to be secluded after reaching a certain age. Yes, Kartini experienced the same thing after completing ELS at the age of 12.

Even though she was locked in the walls of seclusion, Kartini's enthusiasm for learning never waned. She used her free time to read various books and newspapers, both in Dutch and Malay. Through her reading, she began to realize the injustice experienced by Javanese women at that time, especially in terms of education and freedom to determine their own path in life.

The family environment also played an important role in the formation of Kartini's thinking. Her father, although bound by tradition, provided moral and intellectual support to Kartini. Her older brother, Sosrokartono, a broad-minded intellectual, also often discussed and exchanged ideas with Kartini, enriching her insight.

The seclusion period became an important period in the development of Kartini's thinking. Her limitations in physical movement actually triggered her intellectual freedom. She began to express her ideas in letters that she sent to her correspondence friends in the Netherlands, especially to Rosa Abendanon and Estelle Stella Zeehandelaar.

Through her letters, Kartini expressed her concern about the condition of Javanese women who were shackled by customs and traditions. She criticized the practice of polygamy, forced marriages, and the prohibition on women from pursuing higher education and participating in public life. She also expressed her longing for progress and emancipation for her people.
Kartini's letters not only contained complaints and criticisms, but also progressive ideas about women's education, gender equality, and national progress. She believed that education was the key to freeing women from backwardness and empowering them to contribute to the development of society. She also had a vision of Indonesian women who were independent, intelligent, and had the same rights as men.

Kartini's correspondence with friends in the Netherlands opened her eyes to the ideas of Western feminism and humanism. She was inspired by the ideas of human rights, individual freedom, and equality with men. Kartini's letters became a window for the outside world to understand the conditions and aspirations of Javanese women in the early 20th century. Her straightforward, honest, and passionate writing style made her letters very memorable and moved the hearts of her readers.

In 1903, Kartini founded a small school for girls in the Jepara Regency office complex. She taught a variety of subjects, including reading, writing, arithmetic, general knowledge, and practical skills such as sewing and cooking. Her progressive and compassionate teaching methods attracted many girls from all walks of life.

In addition to establishing schools, Kartini also actively wrote articles that were published in various newspapers and magazines. Through her writings, she continued to voice the importance of education for women and criticized customary practices that were detrimental to her people. She also communicated with other national movement figures, such as H.O.S. Tjokroaminoto, to exchange ideas and fight for the progress of the nation.

In 1903, Kartini married Raden Mas Adipati Ario Singgih Djojo Adhiningrat, a regent of Rembang who had progressive views and supported Kartini's struggle. Despite her marriage, Kartini remained active in fighting for her ideals. She even planned to establish a larger girls' school in Rembang.
Unfortunately, Kartini's struggle had to stop early. On September 17, 1904, a few days after giving birth to her first son, Soesalit Djojoadhiningrat, Kartini passed away at the age of 25. Her passing was a great loss for the Indonesian nation, especially for women.

However, for us, Kartini's struggle is an eternal legacy for this nation.
To know Kartini better means to understand her vision and ideals and to appreciate her struggle.

Aurhor: Hilya Maylaffayza

Image Source: PeMad