ROHANA KUDUS: PAHLAWAN DAN JURNALIS PEREMPUAN PERTAMA INDONESIA - JASMERAH

Summary

Rohana Kudus, born in 1884 in Koto Gadang, West Sumatra, was a pioneering figure in women's education and journalism. Despite the societal norms of her time, she dedicated herself to empowering women through education. She founded the Amai Setia organization and the Sekolah Kerajinan Amai Setia, providing essential skills and knowledge to local women. Rohana also led **Sunting Melayu**, a groundbreaking newspaper for women, advocating for gender equality and women's rights. Her contributions earned her the title of National Hero in 2019, marking her as a key figure in Indonesia's social and educational reform.

Takeaways

• 😀 Rohana Kudus was born in Koto Gadang, West Sumatra, in 1884, in a region known for its matrilineal society and high educational standards.
• 😀 She was raised in a well-educated family, with her father holding various positions in the colonial government, which allowed her to receive early education.
• 😀 At the age of 8, Rohana learned to read, write, and sew, far ahead of her peers, showcasing her early intellectual capabilities.
• 😀 Despite the societal expectation for women to stay at home, Rohana was determined to pursue education and empower other women.
• 😀 Rohana Kudus founded a community education center, teaching reading, writing, religious lessons, cooking, and sewing, with her grandmother also helping.
• 😀 She married Abdul Kudus at 24 and later became known as Rohana Kudus, continuing her advocacy for women's education.
• 😀 In 1911, Rohana established the Amai Setia organization to help women in Koto Gadang by teaching crafts, literacy, and spiritual development.
• 😀 To fund her school, Rohana creatively organized a lottery system, receiving approval from the Dutch colonial government for the initiative.
• 😀 Rohana's school, *Sekolah Kerajinan Amai Setia*, became a model for small-scale business ventures and helped empower women through education and skill-building.
• 😀 As a journalist, Rohana founded the *Sunting Melayu* newspaper in 1912, becoming the first female journalist in Indonesia and using the platform to advocate for women's rights.
• 😀 Rohana's efforts were instrumental in spreading the idea of women's empowerment, not only in education but also through the press, inspiring future generations of women leaders in journalism.

Q & A

Who was Rohana Kudus and what was her significance in Indonesian history?

Rohana Kudus was a pioneering figure from Minangkabau, West Sumatra, who dedicated her life to advancing women's education and empowerment in Indonesia. She founded the Amai Setia School, promoted women's rights through journalism, and played a key role in advocating for women’s voices in the press, becoming Indonesia’s first female journalist.

What role did the Minangkabau matrilineal system play in shaping Rohana Kudus's life?

The Minangkabau matrilineal system, where lineage and inheritance pass through the mother's side, placed women in central positions within the family and society. Rohana Kudus’s upbringing in this system helped her gain the confidence and belief in women's potential, despite societal expectations for women to stay home.

What was the significance of the Amai Setia Crafts Association founded by Rohana Kudus?

The Amai Setia Crafts Association, established by Rohana Kudus in 1911, aimed to promote the development of women in Koto Gadang by providing them with education in skills such as sewing, reading, and writing. It played a crucial role in advancing the social and economic roles of women in the region.

How did Rohana Kudus fund the establishment of the Amai Setia School?

Rohana Kudus ingeniously raised funds for the Amai Setia School by organizing a lottery, a rare initiative at the time, especially for a woman. The lottery helped raise the necessary capital to build the school and expand its activities.

What was the importance of the *Sunting Melayu* newspaper founded by Rohana Kudus?

The *Sunting Melayu* newspaper, founded by Rohana Kudus in 1912, was a platform dedicated to addressing women's issues and promoting their rights. It was the first Indonesian newspaper specifically focused on women's voices, with Rohana acting as the editor. The paper played a vital role in advocating for the empowerment of women.

What challenges did Rohana Kudus face in her work and activism?

Rohana Kudus faced opposition from conservative elements within her community, who were resistant to change. Despite these challenges, she continued her advocacy for women’s education and rights through her schools, writings, and the founding of *Sunting Melayu*.

How did Rohana Kudus contribute to the development of journalism in Sumatra?

Rohana Kudus significantly contributed to journalism in Sumatra by founding *Sunting Melayu*, the first newspaper for women in Indonesia, and serving as its editor. Her work as a journalist inspired other women to enter the field and gave voice to women's issues in the press.

What impact did Rohana Kudus have on the education system in Koto Gadang?

Rohana Kudus transformed the education landscape in Koto Gadang by establishing the Amai Setia School, where she taught women various skills, including literacy, religious education, and domestic skills. Her efforts helped bridge the gap in education for women in the region, where schools were primarily aimed at boys.

What was the broader societal change that Rohana Kudus was advocating for?

Rohana Kudus advocated for societal change, particularly regarding the education and empowerment of women. She challenged traditional gender roles and fought for women's right to education, equality, and the ability to contribute to society in meaningful ways.

What recognition did Rohana Kudus receive for her contributions?

In 2019, Rohana Kudus was posthumously awarded the title of National Hero of Indonesia for her pioneering work in women's education and journalism. She was recognized as the first female journalist in the country and for her significant impact on women’s rights in Indonesia.