Gaspol Today: Soekarno Behind Kartini Day, Symbol of Emancipation or Political Tool?

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Historian Asvi Warman Adam has revealed the reasons why Indonesia’s first President Soekarno established Kartini Day as a national day. Asvi stated that on 2 May 1964, Soekarno issued Presidential Decree No. 108 of 1964, designating Kartini as a National Hero of Independence. In addition to Kartini, 13 other figures were designated as National Heroes at that time, including two women, Cut Nyak Dien and Cut Meutia. Asvi noted that Kartini’s figure has been immensely popular since the colonial era. Even the Gerwani women’s organisation at the time borrowed Kartini’s name for their published magazine, entitled ‘Api Kartini’. ‘Why ’api’ (fire)? Because Bung Karno, when speaking about revolution, would say ‘don’t take the ashes, but the fire’,’ Asvi explained. Furthermore, Asvi said that Soekarno greatly respected Kartini for her struggle through literacy to educate Indonesian women.