Kartini Day: Tini Indrayanthi Benyamin and Truetami Ajeng Pilar Encourage Intelligent and Independent Women
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The commemoration of Kartini Day, which falls every 21 April, serves as an important moment to reflect on the role and struggles of Indonesian women amid the developments of the times. In South Tangerang City, Banten Province, the spirit of women’s emancipation is interpreted not only as the freedom to create, but also as the ability to maintain a balance between family, career, and moral values.
Chair of the Family Welfare Empowerment Movement Team (TP PKK) of South Tangerang City, Tini Indrayanthi Benyamin, stresses that women today are required to continue developing without forgetting their natural roles as mothers and wives.
“Women nowadays must not stay idle. They must be willing to learn, seek knowledge, and continue to uphold morals and attitudes. Emancipation is fine, but we must still remember our roles as women,” she said.
The developments of the times bring major changes to the role of women. If access to technology was once limited, now women are required to be digitally literate, including understanding social media and information technology as part of efforts to support the family.
“Those who previously didn’t know about computers or social media now must know. That’s important for monitoring and guiding our children,” said Hj. Tini.
She also assesses that the challenges faced by women today must be addressed with calmness, steadfastness, and exemplary behaviour.
“We can’t just demand from others, but must set an example. Remain calm in anger, continue working in difficulties, and believe that every problem has a solution,” she said.
Furthermore, Hj. Tini reminds that a woman’s beauty is not enough just from the physical aspect, but must also be supported by strong education and character.
“Women must uphold their dignity. Becoming a ‘queen’ in the family and society is not just about appearance, but also about morals and education,” she said.
As Chair of TP PKK in South Tangerang City, Hj. Tini also highlights the importance of empathy in the workplace, especially towards women who have dual roles.
“Employees cannot be treated the same between men and women. There is a maternal side that must be understood. Behind a husband’s success, there is an extraordinary wife’s prayer,” she emphasised.
Hj. Tini encourages women to continue learning and strengthening spiritual values in daily life.
“Don’t get tired of seeking knowledge, don’t be afraid to ask, and don’t neglect the five daily prayers. That becomes protection so we don’t take the wrong steps,” she said.
Contemporary Kartinis Reflected in Resilient Women
Meanwhile, Chair of Dekranasda in South Tangerang City, Truetami Ajeng Pilar, sees that the figure of the modern Kartini is reflected in the resilient women of South Tangerang.
“There are many ‘Kartinis’ in Tangsel, namely hardworking mothers who become the family’s backbone. They are strong, patient, and continue to struggle amid the challenges of the times,” she said.
Ajeng assesses that women today must have independence, including in economic aspects, without neglecting their primary responsibilities in the family.
“Women don’t need to hesitate to be financially independent. We never know what will happen in the future. At least we can help the family economy and set an example for the children,” she explained.
She also emphasises the importance of technological literacy for women so as not to be left behind in the digital era.
“Mothers must be tech-savvy, including AI and digital platforms. This is important to support their role as the primary educators for children,” she said.
According to Ajeng, the ideal modern woman is one who can combine intelligence, modernity, and religiosity in daily life.
“Being intelligent means not closing oneself off from the developments of the times, modern means being adaptive, and religious means being wise in using technology and upholding life’s values,” she said.
She also highlights the importance of women’s integrity, including the courage to say “no” to things that do not align with principles.
“A woman who dares to say no is a woman who knows her boundaries, has integrity, and is responsible for her choices,” she emphasised.
To conclude her message, Ajeng encourages women to continue supporting each other and understanding each other’s roles.
“We must become resilient women, intelligent in our roles, and remain religious. The modern Kartini is a woman who knows what must be done and is responsible for it,” she said.