Jakarta, April 21, 2025 – To commemorate Kartini Day, Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, attended the opening of an exhibition titled Sunting: Traces of Indonesian Women Driving Change, organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Indonesian Heritage Agency.
Wamenekeraf Irene Umar hadiri Pameran “Sunting” dalam rangka peringati Hari Kartini yang diselenggarakan di Museum Nasional, Jakarta, Senin (21/04/2025).
The exhibition was held at the National Museum, Jakarta, on Monday, April 21, 2025, as a tribute to the role of women in the nation’s history, and as a reminder that their contributions have taken many forms—as creators, movers, and preservers of civilization.
The figures featured in this exhibition represent only a small fraction of the many Indonesian women who have contributed and continue to contribute to nation-building. Many of them may not be recorded in history books or appear on the main stage, but their roles within families and communities remain invaluable.
“The opening of this exhibition on Kartini Day is not merely a commemoration of women’s struggle, but also of the nation’s struggle for progress in justice, equal education, and the realization of a noble civilization,” said Minister of Culture Fadli Zon in his remarks.
The exhibition opened with a theatrical performance of R.A. Kartini’s letters, read by several renowned Indonesian actresses including Lutesha, Happy Salma, Christine Hakim, Cinta Laura, Maudy Ayunda, Reza Rahadian, Marsha Timothy, and Chelsea Islan, directed by Sri Qodariatin.
Some of the letters presented included “Letter to J.H. Abendanon, December 12, 1903” and “Letter to E.H. Zeehandelaar, November 6, 1899.”
Communications Bureau of The Ministry of Creative Economy/ Creative Economy Agency
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, emphasized the ministry’s commitment to nurturing modern-day Kartinis through various initiatives, one of which is the Emak-Emak Matic program. The program aims to increase women’s technological awareness and empower them to create through technology.
“If Kartini was able to bring about great change in her time, why can’t we? We must believe we can create change together, hand in hand, towards a Golden Indonesia and a better future,” said Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene.
Also attending the event were Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha Jumario, Deputy Minister of Finance Thomas Yohandono, Deputy Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Veronica Tan, as well as several echelon I and II officials from the Ministry of Culture.
In attendance were also Didiet Hediprasetyo from the Didiet Hediprasetyo Foundation, Masari Adrian, Program Director of Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation, and Esti Nurjadin, Executive Director of the Indonesian Heritage Agency.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Communications Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
