Minister of Culture Traces Legacy of Rahmah El Yunusiyyah, Highlights Women's Education
Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, undertook a commemorative visit to trace the legacy of Rahmah El Yunusiyyah, a West Sumatran national hero and pioneering figure in Islamic women’s education, in Padang Panjang. The activity formed part of efforts to document the contributions of this remarkable woman, who had significantly advanced women’s education throughout Indonesia.
The commemorative visit began with a tour of Rahmah’s former residence, now transformed into a museum. Accompanied by Fauziah Fauzan El Muhammady, Rahmah’s great-granddaughter and current leader of Diniyyah Puteri school, Fadli reviewed the memoirs documenting Rahmah’s life journey, including her family lineage, her establishment of Diniyyah Puteri, and the numerous accolades she received.
Fadli regarded Rahmah El Yunusiyyah’s pioneering work as an important exemplar for society, particularly for Indonesian women. “At such a young age, she (Rahmah El Yunusiyyah) took the initiative to establish a school which has since grown substantially and produced teachers distributed throughout the Indonesian archipelago,” Fadli stated in his remarks on Saturday, 14 March 2026.
Rahmah El Yunusiyyah, founder of Diniyyah Puteri school, was designated as a national hero by President Prabowo Subianto in 2025. This educational institution does not merely train teachers but also develops the character of young women with Islamic values, preparing mothers as educators within families and communities, and cultivating social responsibility for the welfare of others based on devotion to Allah.
Fadli outlined several prominent figures operating at national and international levels who emerged from Diniyyah Puteri. One notable alumna is Rasuna Said, who has likewise been awarded the title of national hero. The school has also produced figures such as Aishah Gani from Malaysia and numerous other women now active in various professional fields.
Furthermore, Fadli recognised the historical significance of the museum occupying Rahmah El Yunusiyyah’s original residence and emphasised the importance of continuing to introduce it to younger generations. He advocated for the designation of the museum as a National Cultural Heritage Site to ensure that the historical value and exemplary legacy of Rahmah El Yunusiyyah could be transmitted to future generations.
The commemorative journey continued with a visit to Rahmah El Yunusiyyah’s tomb and a tour of the Diniyyah Puteri school dormitory situated nearby. The 2.5-hectare dormitory complex is equipped with various learning facilities supporting students’ educational activities.
The visit is anticipated to reinforce efforts in preserving the historical legacy of this national figure whilst fostering awareness among younger generations to emulate Rahmah El Yunusiyyah’s spirit of dedication in advancing education and women’s empowerment in Indonesia.
The commemorative activity was also attended by Vice Mayor of Padang Panjang Allex Saputra and officials from the Padang Panjang regional government. Accompanying the Minister of Culture were Special Staff of the Ministry of Culture for Protocol and Household Affairs Rachmanda Primayuda, Director of Cultural Facilities and Infrastructure Feri Arlius, and Head of the Cultural Preservation Centre for West Sumatran Region III Nurmatias.