Many Don't Know! Kartini Day Was First Established by Soekarno, Here's the Full History

Jakarta, VIVA – Many people celebrate Kartini Day every 21 April, but not everyone knows that this historic day was first established by President Soekarno. That decision became an important milestone in Indonesian history by elevating women’s struggles as part of the nation’s journey. The establishment of Kartini Day did not come about suddenly. There was a long journey behind why 21 April was chosen and continues to be commemorated to this day. Kartini Day Was Officially Established in 1964. The date 21 April was chosen because it is the birthdate of Raden Ajeng Kartini, a prominent female figure born in Jepara on 21 April 1879. Although Kartini passed away at a relatively young age, her ideas and struggles remain alive and have had a significant impact on Indonesian society. The official establishment of Kartini Day took place on 2 May 1964. On that day, President Soekarno issued Presidential Decree of the Republic of Indonesia No. 108 of 1964. In that decree, Kartini was not only recognised as a National Hero of Independence but also designated as a figure whose birthdate deserves to be commemorated nationally, according to the official website of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. Since then, 21 April has been observed as Kartini Day, an important moment to remember the struggles of Indonesian women, particularly in the field of education. Background to RA Kartini’s Struggles. Kartini’s fight began with her frustration over the condition of women during the colonial era. In the late 19th century, women, especially in Java, had very limited access to education. Kartini realised that education was the key to improving women’s lives and society at large. She believed that knowledge could open opportunities for women to develop and play an active role in social life. Due to this conviction, Kartini began pioneering education for women by opening a small school in her home. There, she taught reading, writing, and practical skills such as handicrafts and cooking. This simple step then became the beginning of the women’s education movement in Indonesia. Kartini’s Letters That Inspired the World. Kartini’s thoughts became widely known through the letters she sent to her friends in Europe. Those letters contained ideas about equality, education, and criticism of cultures that restricted women.