Muhammad Zacky Jamali

XI IBB 3
B Inggris

Biography of R.A Kartini

One of very famous female figures in Indonesia is Raden Ajeng Kartini. She is also
commonly known as R.A Kartini.
She is known as one of the national hero determined to fight for the emancipation of women.
R.A Kartini was born on April 21st 1879 in Jepara. Since the number of services and struggle
for people of Indonesia, the day of her birth was celebrated as Kartini Day.
Kartini was born in a noble family so she earned R.A (Raden Ajeng) in front of her name.
According to Javanese tradition the title used before she got married, while after marriage
then knighted used is R.A (Raden Ayu).
Her father named R.M. Sosroningrat is a son of Prince Ario Tjondronegoro IV. At that time,
Kartini’s father was a regent in Jepara and an honorable man.
Kartini’s mother named M.A. Ngasirah was the son of ‘Kyai’ / religion teacher in Telukawur,
Jepara. She was not highborn, but just ordinary people.
That’s what makes R.A Kartini must have a stepmother. This is because the Dutch colonial
rule requires a regent married to noblesse.
Finally Kartini’s father then married a descendant of Madura’s King noblewoman named
Raden Adjeng Woerjan.
R.A Kartini was the fifth of 11 siblings, consisting of siblings and half-brother. Nevertheless,
she was the oldest of her sisters.
As derived from the offspring of nobility, Kartini is entitled to receive a decent education.
Then, her father sent her to ELS (Europese Lagere School).
According to Javanese tradition, after the 12 years old, the child should be ‘dipingit‘ (living
at home), is no exception for R.A Kartini. However, although she was at home, she still
continues to learn.
Her lofty ideals are eager to see the indigenous women can study and learn as today.
New ideas about emancipation or equality of indigenous women by her, considered a novelty
that can change society’s views.
In addition, her writings also contain about the significance of belief, wisdom and beauty,
humanity and nationalism.
Not only that, she also touched on religion, for example, she questioned why a man may
practice polygamy, why the holy book should be read and memorized without obligation to
understand, and more.
After becoming adult moman, then in 1903 R.A Kartini married a regent of Rembang City
named K.R.M. Duke Ario Singgih Djojo Adhiningrat. Although many historians say that the
wedding is the insistence of her parents.
Most people estimate at the time of marriage, Kartini R.A still wants to live freely. But in
order to make the hearts of parents happy and proud, she prefers to follow the wishes of her
parents.
While it is like other destiny. Exactly a year after getting married, she must be in the call by
the God (25 years old). Note before she died, she had a son named R.M Soesalit
Djojoadhiningrat.
RA Kartini’s Books

 Aku Mau … Feminisme dan Nasionalisme. Surat-surat Kartini kepada Stella

Zeehandelaar 1899-1903.
 Habis Gelap Terbitlah Terang
 Kartini Surat-surat kepada Ny RM Abendanon-Mandri dan suaminya
 Letters from Kartini, An Indonesian Feminist 1900-1904
 Panggil Aku Kartini Saja (Karya Pramoedya Ananta Toer)
 Surat-surat Kartini, Renungan Tentang dan Untuk Bangsanya

The Brief Biography of RA Kartini

Full Name: Raden Ajeng Kartini
Other Names: Raden Ayu Kartini, RA Kartini
Date of Birth: April 21th 1879
Zodiac: Taurus
Place of Birth: Dutch Flag Jepara, Central Java, the Indies
Date of Death: September 17th 1904
Points Died: Rembang, Central Java, the Indies
Died Age: 25 Years
Known for: The Emancipation of Women
Nationality: Indonesia
Religion: Islam
Husband: K.R.M. Duke Ario Singgih Djojo Adhiningrat
Children: R.M Soesalit Djojoadhiningrat
Grandchildren: RM. Boedi Setiyo Soesalit
Great-grandchildren: RA. Kartini Setiawati Soesalit, RM. Kartono Boediman Soesalit,
Soesalit Roekmini RA, RM. Samingoen Bawadiman Soesalit, and RM. Rahmat Harjanto
Soesalit.