Partnering with Student Axis, Kemendikdasmen Revives Kartini Spirit

The spirit of national heroine Raden Ajeng (RA) Kartini is once again being championed in the realm of educational dialogue. The Indonesian Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has partnered with Poros Pelajar for a public discussion titled “Women and Education”, held in South Tangerang, Banten, on Tuesday (21/1/2026).

Head of the General Bureau of Kemendikdasmen RI, Herdiana, emphasised that RA Kartini is more than just a figure remembered on her birthday, 21 April. The heroine from Jepara, Central Java, symbolises the ongoing energy of the Indonesian women’s movement. According to her, Kartini’s struggles for education, justice, and equality remain unfinished business.

“If today we are still talking about education, about justice, and about opportunities, it means that the spirit of Kartini is still very relevant up to now,” said Herdiana in her speech, quoted from a written statement on Thursday (23/4/2026).

She explained that women have three strategic roles in education. First, as character educators, especially in the family, where mothers are the first place children learn life values. Second, as pillars of the generation that determine the quality of the nation’s future. Third, as the foundation of education from when the child is still in the womb.

Meanwhile, Chair of the Partnership Working Team of the Directorate of Nonformal and Informal Education, Desi Elvera Dewi, highlighted the increase in women’s participation in education. However, she reminded that disparities still exist in women’s involvement in the work sector and socio-economic aspects.