Pilgrimage to Kartini's Grave: Minister Arifah Reinforces Commitment to Gender Equality

Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi stated that her ministry continues to commit to ensuring that Indonesian women obtain equal access, participation, control, and benefits in development. “Let us rise, step forward, and continue to bring that light with courage and real work. May Kartini’s spirit always live in every step we take, becoming a source of inspiration in realising an equal, inclusive, and just Indonesia,” said Minister PPPA Arifah Fauzi in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday. She said this while accompanying the Wife of the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Selvi Ananda, in conducting a pilgrimage to the grave of Raden Ajeng Kartini in Rembang Regency, Central Java, as part of Kartini Day commemorations. According to her, this pilgrimage activity is carried out to nurture collective memory, honour the traces of struggle, and reaffirm commitment to continuing the noble ideals of R.A. Kartini. “At this meaningful place, we are reminded that great change often begins with the courage to think differently and transcend the boundaries of one’s time. Kartini has shown us that the voice of women, no matter how small, has the power to change the world,” said Arifah Fauzi. She stated that the spirit of R.A. Kartini is a spirit that transcends space and time. R.A. Kartini positioned women as thinking, speaking, and empowered individuals in determining their life paths. “Through her letters, Kartini conveyed such advanced ideas, that education is the key to liberation. However, the struggle is not over. Amid the progress we have achieved today, there are still various challenges we face. Therefore, this pilgrimage is not only a space for reflection, but also a call to continue that struggle through concrete steps,” said Minister Arifah Fauzi.