LIVE: Ida I Dewa Agung Istri Kanya, Perempuan Besi Pengusir Penjajah | PEREMPUAN-PEREMPUAN NUSANTARA

Summary

The transcript explores the life and leadership of Ida Idewa Agung Istri Kanya, the queen of Klungkung, Bali, who fiercely resisted Dutch colonial forces between 1814 and 1850. Known as the 'Iron Woman' by the Dutch, she led her forces with strategic brilliance, including during the Third Balinese War. A skilled military leader, she also excelled in governance, literature, and the arts. Her legacy as a defender of Balinese culture and a promoter of women's rights continues to inspire. The transcript highlights her resilience, wisdom, and contributions to both Bali's cultural heritage and the broader women's movement.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ida Dewa Agung Istri Kanya was a significant figure in the resistance against Dutch colonization in Bali during the 19th century, leading the war efforts in Kusamba and other regions.
• 😀 She was born into the noble family of the Kingdom of Klungkung and became the 8th queen of the kingdom in 1815.
• 😀 Known as the 'Iron Woman' by the Dutch, she was celebrated for her military strategy and leadership skills, especially during the Bali wars in 1849.
• 😀 Ida Dewa Agung Istri Kanya was highly educated, with expertise in governance, literature, military strategy, and law, making her a powerful figure in both political and cultural spheres.
• 😀 Under her leadership, the Kingdom of Klungkung thrived as a maritime Hindu kingdom, and she played a key role in maintaining Bali’s sovereignty against external threats.
• 😀 She was also a patron of the arts, particularly literature and traditional Balinese paintings, and initiated cultural events to preserve and promote Balinese heritage.
• 😀 Istri Kanya was deeply spiritual and practiced meditation, often seeking blessings from Saraswati to ensure success in her endeavors for the kingdom.
• 😀 As a ruler, she was a strong advocate for the education and empowerment of women, showing great intelligence and leadership in both war and governance.
• 😀 Ida Dewa Agung Istri Kanya’s legacy includes the promotion of traditional Balinese literature and the preservation of ancient texts, such as lontars.
• 😀 She has become an iconic figure for the women’s rights movement in Bali, inspiring modern-day discussions on gender equality and social justice.
• 😀 In 2017, a statue of Ida Dewa Agung Istri Kanya was erected in Klungkung as a tribute to her role in Balinese history and as a symbol of female leadership and resilience.

Q & A

Who was Ida Idewa Agung Istri Kanya?

Ida Idewa Agung Istri Kanya was the Queen of the Klungkung Kingdom in Bali from 1815 to 1850. She is renowned for her leadership in the defense of Bali against Dutch colonial forces and for her contributions to Balinese culture, arts, and literature.

What role did Ida Idewa Agung Istri Kanya play in the Battle of Kusamba?

Ida Idewa Agung Istri Kanya was the strategist and commander of the Laskar Klungkung, a military force that fought against the Dutch. She led her forces in the defense of Kusamba, successfully repelling the Dutch forces led by General Andreas Victor Michils in 1849.

How did Ida Idewa Agung Istri Kanya contribute to Balinese literature?

Ida Idewa Agung Istri Kanya was an intellectual and a patron of the arts. She was deeply involved in the preservation and creation of Balinese literature, often transcribing and writing important texts. Her contributions include promoting poetry and literature, particularly through the creation of works in the form of 'kekawin' (traditional Balinese poetry).

What was the significance of the Laskar Klungkung in the defense of Bali?

The Laskar Klungkung was a militia formed by Ida Idewa Agung Istri Kanya to resist Dutch colonial expansion. Known as the 'Laskar Berani Mati' or 'Laskar of the Brave to Die', this force was instrumental in the defense of Bali, particularly in the Battle of Kusamba, where they fought against the much better-equipped Dutch forces.

What is the importance of Saraswati in the life of Ida Idewa Agung Istri Kanya?

Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, was deeply revered by Ida Idewa Agung Istri Kanya. She would pray to Saraswati, particularly during the Saraswati Day celebrations, to seek guidance and blessings for her people and kingdom. This spiritual connection played a crucial role in her leadership and decision-making.

What was the relationship between Ida Idewa Agung Istri Kanya and other Balinese kingdoms?

Ida Idewa Agung Istri Kanya maintained strong relationships with other Balinese kingdoms. She sent military aid to kingdoms such as Buleleng and supported other rulers in times of need. Her leadership extended beyond her own kingdom of Klungkung, making her a significant figure in the wider Balinese political landscape.

Why was Ida Idewa Agung Istri Kanya known as 'the Iron Woman'?

Ida Idewa Agung Istri Kanya earned the title 'Iron Woman' from the Dutch due to her steadfast resistance to their colonial forces. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, she led her forces with courage and determination, successfully resisting Dutch occupation and retaining her kingdom’s sovereignty.

What was the cultural and spiritual significance of the Taman Sari area in Klungkung during her reign?

The Taman Sari area in Klungkung, during the reign of Ida Idewa Agung Istri Kanya, served as a center for both governance and spiritual practice. It was a place where she would meditate and seek divine blessings from the gods, particularly for the welfare of her kingdom and people, showing her blend of spiritual devotion and political acumen.

What role did Ida Idewa Agung Istri Kanya play in preserving Balinese arts?

As a patron of the arts, Ida Idewa Agung Istri Kanya played a vital role in the preservation of Balinese arts, including literature, dance, and visual arts. She initiated the use of Kamasan-style paintings and supported the development of traditional art forms, which later gained international recognition, such as the UNESCO listing of Kamasan paintings as an intangible cultural heritage.

How is Ida Idewa Agung Istri Kanya remembered in modern Bali?

Ida Idewa Agung Istri Kanya is remembered as a symbol of strength, intelligence, and resistance in modern Bali. Statues and memorials have been erected in her honor, and she continues to inspire Balinese women, especially those advocating for gender equality and cultural preservation. Her legacy is celebrated in both spiritual and historical contexts across Bali.