Felix Martua, Jakarta – Four rising public figures pay tribute to the enduring original female icon.
Even though this year's Kartini Day (April 21) may easily get lost amid the family reunions and exoduses that will take place during the Lebaran week off, the activism and legacy of Indonesian female emancipation icon Raden Adjeng Kartini, who would have celebrated her 144th birthday this year, should never be taken for granted, let alone forgotten.
Sharing their thoughts to The Jakarta Post, some of the current female powerhouses in their respective crafts – singer Aruma who recently launched her chart-ruling debut single "Muak", model Iko Bustomi who became the one to watch in the fashion industry after clinching the trophy of the latest season of Indonesia's Next Top Model, actor Lutesha who made a huge impression in the film industry with films such as The Big Four, Dear David and the upcoming Ali Topan and singer-songwriter Sheryl Sheinafia who switched gears sonically with her latest single "Situationship" – sang their praises for the iconic heroine while offering their two cents on the issues that modern women still face to this day.
ARUMA (singer)
In your own words, what makes RA Kartini such an influential and enduring icon?
RA Kartini is such an icon! She was a trailblazing advocate for women's education and empowerment in colonial Indonesia. Her unyielding spirit and unwavering commitment have influenced many Indonesian women, and her legacy lives on through numerous schools and organizations named after her.
How do you personally define "emancipation"?"
In my way, within the context of women's rights, emancipation usually refers to the process of achieving equality and independence, where women can exercise their rights and make their own choices without fear of discrimination, violence or social stigma.
In your opinion, in which issues that you find Indonesian women are not yet totally emancipated or receiving equality?
In Indonesia, women's rights have improved, but there are still several issues hindering their emancipation and equality. Gender-based violence, unequal access to education and employment, traditional gender roles and low representation in politics and leadership are some of the challenges that women face. Although progress has been made, more work needs to be done to ensure that women can exercise their rights and participate fully in all aspects of society.IKO BUSTOMI (model, winner of the third cycle of Indonesia's Next Top Model)
In your own words, what makes RA Kartini such an influential and enduring icon?
Her journey as a hardworking and independent woman made everyone realize that there is a strong and bold attitude in the softness of women's behavior. No one can underestimate the power women have.
How do you personally define "emancipation"?"
For me, emancipation is not always about gender equality, but focuses more on humanity; how we fully understand and respect each other as a human.
In your opinion, in which issues that you find Indonesian women are not yet totally emancipated or receiving equality?
There is always a stigma about how Indonesian women should dress. People will always act as a judge when they see women with a particular style of [clothes]. In fact, the way women dress is their freedom of expression and that's their right. We should just respect our different tastes or perception.
LUTESHA (actor, model)
In your own words, what makes RA Kartini such an influential and enduring icon?
It was her spirit for uplifting women's dignity, leveling the playing field and opposing discrimination against women, the purpose of which was to attain the freedom of speech and also, equality in education and before the law.
How do you personally define "emancipation"?"
It's an attempt to equalize opportunities and rights that were previously ignored by the people who are considered superior.
In your opinion, in which issues that you find Indonesian women are not yet totally emancipated or receiving equality?
Women in the position of leadership, a workplace free from sexual harassment, the stigmatization of being a housewife, and being forced by parents to marry at an early age.
SHERYL SHEINAFIA (actor, singer, songwriter)
In your own words, what makes RA Kartini such an influential and enduring icon?
Kartini was a trailblazer for women's rights and paved the way for us women to achieve greater freedom and opportunities. She was ahead of her time, and her ideas about women's education and equality are still really important today. She inspires us to keep fighting for what we believe in, even if it's not popular or easy.
How do you personally define "emancipation"?"
Emancipation is about achieving freedom and independence from a situation or system that was holding someone back.
In your opinion, in which issues that you find Indonesian women are not yet totally emancipated or receiving equality?
Despite constitutional guarantees of gender equality, women still face significant challenges in terms of gender-based discrimination and violence, limited access to education and employment opportunities and cultural norms that reinforce gender roles and stereotypes. Women in a lot of countries are expected to prioritize their roles as wives and mothers over their personal aspirations or career goals.