Biography of Dewi Sartika, an Education Fighter for Women

Summary

Dewi Sartika, born in 1884 in Cicalengka, Indonesia, was a pioneering figure in women's education. Raised in a family that opposed the Dutch East Indies government, she overcame significant obstacles to promote education for women in Java. In 1904, she established the 'Wife's School' in Bandung, which later expanded across West Java. Dewi's efforts earned recognition from the colonial government, and she continued to advocate for women's training in various fields. Despite the tumult of war, she remained committed to independence and education until her passing in 1947. Dewi Sartika was posthumously honored as a national hero in 1966.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dewi Sartika was born on December 4, 1884, in Cicalengka, from a Sundanese noble family.
• 😀 Her parents, Raden Rangga Somanegara and Raden Ayu Rajapermas, were involved in opposing the Dutch East Indies government.
• 😀 After her parents were exiled, Dewi Sartika was raised by her uncle, Patih Arya, in Cicalengka.
• 😀 Dewi Sartika was exposed to both Sundanese and Western cultures from an early age, helping shape her educational perspective.
• 😀 As a child, Dewi Sartika acted as a teacher, often teaching her friends reading and writing, including Dutch.
• 😀 In 1906, she married Raden Kanduruan Agah Suriawinata, a teacher, which further strengthened her advocacy for education.
• 😀 On January 16, 1904, Dewi Sartika founded 'The Wife's School' (Sekolah Istri) in Bandung, aimed at educating women.
• 😀 The school grew rapidly, expanding to multiple locations across West Java, with nine schools by 1912.
• 😀 Dewi Sartika’s educational efforts were recognized by the Dutch colonial government, especially during the ethical politics era.
• 😀 She was a strong advocate for training women for various professions, including midwifery and factory work.
• 😀 Dewi Sartika took refuge with independence fighters during the Dutch Military Aggression in 1947 and passed away on September 11, 1947, in Cineam, West Java.
• 😀 She was posthumously recognized as a national hero on December 1, 1966, for her groundbreaking work in women's education.

Q & A

Who was Dewi Sartika, and what is she known for?

Dewi Sartika was a pioneering figure in education for women in Indonesia. She is known for her efforts to establish and expand schools for women, advocating for women's education in a time when it was uncommon.

When and where was Dewi Sartika born?

Dewi Sartika was born on December 4, 1884, in Cicalengka, West Java, Indonesia.

What was Dewi Sartika's early education like?

Dewi Sartika received an education that combined both Sundanese culture and Western knowledge. She attended an elementary school in Cicalengka, and despite the societal norms of the time, she was taught how to read and write, including learning Dutch.

How did Dewi Sartika's family background influence her work?

Dewi Sartika came from a Sundanese priayi family, and her parents were strong advocates against the Dutch East Indies government. This background likely shaped her desire for education reform and her commitment to advancing women's rights.

What role did Dewi Sartika play in her community during her youth?

As a child, Dewi Sartika often played the role of a teacher. She would teach her peers after school, and it was during this time that she developed the belief that girls should have access to education.

What significant event took place in Dewi Sartika's life in 1906?

In 1906, Dewi Sartika married Raden Kanduruan Agah Suriawinata, a teacher at Karang Pamulang School. This marriage further fueled her passion for education and advocacy for women's rights.

What was the significance of Dewi Sartika's 'wife's school' in 1904?

In 1904, Dewi Sartika established the 'wife's school' in Bandung, which was an important step in her mission to provide education to women. This school quickly gained popularity, leading to the expansion of similar schools across West Java.

How did Dewi Sartika's school network grow over the years?

By 1912, Dewi Sartika had expanded her network of schools to nine locations across West Java. By 1913, the organization also had a branch in Tasikmalaya. Eventually, her schools spread throughout the region, becoming a symbol of women's education.

What recognition did Dewi Sartika receive for her contributions to education?

Dewi Sartika received significant recognition for her work, including the Orange Order Nassau award on her birthday and being posthumously declared a National Hero of Indonesia on December 1, 1966.

What happened to Dewi Sartika in the later years of her life?

In the later years of her life, Dewi Sartika lived through the turmoil of the Dutch Military Aggression in 1947. She took refuge with the fighters in the struggle for Indonesian independence. She passed away on September 11, 1947, and was later reburied in Bandung.