Kartini Day 2025 as a Testament to the Enduring Spirit of Indonesian Women

On Monday, April 21st, 2025, at the heart of the celebration held at the Tennis Indoor Stadium, Gelora Bung Karno (GBK), Jakarta, Chairwoman of the Indonesian Women’s Congress (Kowani), Nannie Hadi Tjahjanto, delivered a message that a women are not mere adornments in society—they are vital agents of change.

The event marked the launch of a groundbreaking initiative: the National Movement of 1,000 Women’s Professions and Generation Z. Inaugurated by Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Arifah Choiri Fauzi, and graced by the presence of Indonesia’s Second Lady, Selvi Ananda Rakabuming Raka, the program seeks to spotlight the transformative power of women in every sector of society.

 “Indonesia’s transformation through its women is part of a larger, global movement,” Nannie emphasized. “The world watches. The world provides a stage. But we must go beyond symbolism—this movement must be measurable, tangible, and enduring.” These women embody the essence of Kartini in the contemporary era, proving that her legacy lives on through their actions. This year’s event served as a reminder that progress for women is not an endpoint but an ongoing journey fueled by determination and resilience. 

Minister Arifah echoed this sentiment, describing Kartini Day as a reflective moment to reconnect with the struggles of Indonesian women who have historically faced barriers in accessing opportunities, participating fully in society, and influencing decision-making processes. She remarked, “A nation cannot advance without empowering its women. Kartini symbolizes courage in independent thinking and progressive action. Today, her light lives on in the multifaceted Indonesian women who lead from the frontlines,” Arifah declared.

The "1,000 Professions for Women & Gen Z" program emerged as a concrete response to the evolving demands of the times. It challenges both women and youth to adapt to advancements in technology, leadership, and social solidarity. Leveraging a hybrid format, the event reached over one million participants nationwide and internationally, including members of the diaspora and migrant workers in more than 30 countries. 

The 1,000 professions were organized into 17 strategic zones. These include the Education & Digital Literacy zone—home to teachers, lecturers, educational content creators, and e-learning platform developers. The Technology & Digitalization zone featured software engineers, UI/UX designers, and female Chief Technology Officers. Health and social sector zone—Doctors, midwives, clinical psychologists, and mental health activists, women in Maritime Affairs, Agriculture, Energy, and the Diaspora, Media, Communication & Journalism, Women Defenders of the Nation zone as Kowad, Kowal, Wara, and Polwan.

Wasiah, a representative from Jakarta’s High Religious Court and Thalia Risma, a young delegate from the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Both called for greater societal awareness and empathy, emphasizing that true empowerment requires collective responsibility. She believes that now generation is ready to carry the torch of Kartini’s legacy with a contemporary vision.

A resounding message echoed through the speech of Nannie Hadi Tjahjanto: the importance of intergenerational solidarity among women is collaboration, not competition. “We must lift each other up, not tear one another down. Kartini symbolizes education and resistance against inequality. That spirit must live on in our collective actions today,” she stated firmly.

The hybrid-format event featured the reading of Kartini’s letters, heartfelt testimonials from women in diverse professions, and a rich cultural performance curated by the younger generation—highlighting both tradition and modernity in harmony.

For Kowani, the launch of the 1,000 Women’s Professions and Generation Z initiative is a bold manifestation of national commitment—to establish women as pillars of development and catalysts of social change. 

“Indonesian women must not retreat. We have come this far through long, hard-fought battles. Now is the time to leap forward—with education, with courage, and with solidarity,” Nannie concluded.