Kartini Museum in Jepara Projected to Become Women's Study Centre

Jepara (ANTARA) - The Kartini Museum in Jepara Regency, Central Java, is projected to develop into a women’s study centre that will not only preserve history but also serve as a space for discussion, research, and women’s capacity-building.

This vision emerged during a visit by Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) Lestari Moerdijat to the Kartini Museum, accompanied by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Saan Mustopa, on Wednesday 25 February. Their visit was welcomed by Jepara Regent Witiarso Utomo and Deputy Regent M Ibnu Hajar.

“The Kartini Museum is not merely a physical building, but a space for reflection on the values of R.A. Kartini’s struggle that remain highly relevant today,” said Deputy Speaker of the MPR RI Lestari Moerdijat.

She emphasised the importance of women’s freedom and independence, as well as women’s capacity to take the lead in advocating for humanitarian values.

She expressed hope that the Kartini Museum would eventually develop into an active women’s study centre that organises discussions, research, and empowerment programmes. In this way, the museum would not only serve as a repository of historical artefacts but also become a centre for developing women’s literacy and intellectual movements.

Meanwhile, Saan Mustopa commended the Jepara Local Government’s initiative in converting what was previously the regent’s official residence into the Kartini Museum.

“The regent was willing to vacate his residence. This demonstrates a commitment to honouring our ancestors, preserved through the Kartini Museum,” he said.

In support of strengthening literacy efforts, Saan also handed over a Community Reading Garden (TBM) mobile library and expressed support for efforts to eliminate book taxes in order to increase public reading interest.

Jepara Regent Witiarso Utomo expressed hope that support from the DPR and MPR RI would accelerate the realisation of several development proposals submitted by the Jepara Local Government.

“We feel honoured by the visit of Mr Saan and Ms Rerie, who took interest in the museum. We have submitted several proposals. We hope they can be realised for the people of Jepara,” he said.

The visit is expected to represent a concrete step in strengthening Jepara’s position as a city of literacy and as a centre for advancing the values of women’s struggle bequeathed by R.A. Kartini.