Ministry of Culture: Rahmah El Yunusiyyah's Contributions Reflect the Meaning of Education

Padang (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Culture (Kemenbud) assesses that the contributions of the national heroine from West Sumatra, Rahmah El Yunusiyyah, in educational strategies fundamentally reflect the meaning of the struggle for education within the framework of the nation’s history and future.

“Rahmah El Yunusiyyah is not merely a historical figure from Tanah Datar, West Sumatra, but the architect of the first women’s education in Indonesia through the establishment of Diniyyah Puteri Padang Panjang,” said Feri Arlius, Director of Facilities and Infrastructure at the Directorate General of Development, Utilisation, and Cultivation of Culture, Ministry of Culture RI, in Padang on Monday.

Feri stated that at a time when access to education for women was still very limited in the past, Rahmah El Yunusiyyah paved the way for the intellectual and spiritual independence of women. Furthermore, the existence of Diniyyah Puteri Padang Panjang remains relevant to the current curriculum and is even projected into the future.

According to him, the concepts and elements of ideas that have been pioneered are not limited to education in school settings but also how each individual lives daily life up to the household.

“Those values are still very relevant and important for education in the future,” he said.

In general, Feri conveyed that Kemenbud appreciates the struggle of Rahmah El Yunusiyyah. Moreover, her struggle in the world of education is part of history and the journey of culture.

“Therefore, Kemenbud will also provide contributions to the Diniyyah Puteri Padang Panjang educational institution, the form of which we are still discussing at present,” he said.

On the other hand, he explained that there are at least three main objectives in interpreting Rahmah El Yunusiyyah’s contributions in the field of education, including historical education, national advocacy, and inspiration for the future.

Thus, such interpretation can also encourage the younger generation of educators to have the courage to innovate in facing educational challenges in the current digital era.

“We greatly hope that education with the concept of ‘alam takambang jadi guru’ from West Sumatra can become a reference for the world of education going forward,” he stated.