R.A. Kartini

Raden Ajeng Kartini was born in Mayong, Jepara on April 21, 1879. Her father was RM Aryo Sosroningrat, a Jepara district chief, and her mother was Mas Ayu Ngasirah, his father’s concubine. Kartini received the same education as her other siblings from different mothers. With her education and her love for books such as the classic 1860 Dutch novel, Max Havelaar (that criticised Dutch colonial policies), Kartini was able to see the hard facts around her. She felt privileged as outside her household, women had to work hard for their daily meal. Even her mother had no right to share the table with her father during meals. Kartini felt dominated by men and Kartini and her sisters were secluded at home. Kartini’s friends, The Residents and the Assistant Residents, spoke up for her. Then Kartini, Kardinah and Rukmini are freed from the seclusion. Later, Kartini taught batik to the women in the area. Kartini and Kardinah established a successful school in Jepara for girls. When most of Kartini’s dreams are fulfilled, she received a marriage proposal from Djojoadiningrat, the regent of Rembang. She didn’t want to accept the proposal as she felt that there was more work to do. Yet it was not common to refuse a nobleman’s marriage proposal. Kartini eventually accepted the proposal on condition that her future husband would allow her to work. Djojoadiningrat agreed and they married after his wife, Soekarmilah, passed away. Director Sjuman approaches this popular story with a romantic view.