PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Inggit Garnasih Historic House on Jalan Ibu Inggit Garnasih Number 8, Bandung City, invites the public to learn about the struggle of women behind Soekarno's life journey.

As Soekarno's wife who married in 1923, Inggit Garnasih played an important role in supporting the Proclaimer's struggle through her sewing skills, selling herbal medicine, and making powder.

The proceeds of his business were used to meet household needs as well as support Soekarno's education and political activities until he obtained an engineering degree from the Technische Hoogeschool te Bandoeng (THS), now the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB).

The caretaker and guide of the Inggit Garnasih Historic House, Jajang Ruhyat, explained that the house was purchased by Soekarno and Inggit Garnasih in 1926.

The two of them occupied the house until 1934, making it a witness to their personal life journey as well as the struggle for Indonesian independence.

"For those eight years, this house became part of their life journey and also held the story of the struggle for Indonesian independence," said Jajang.

One of the stories that is kept is Inggit's cleverness in maintaining communication with Soekarno while he was in prison through coded messages.

The message was disguised through boiled eggs and food that he brought when visiting Soekarno amidst pressure from the Dutch colonial government.

The story shows Inggit's sacrifice and at the same time opens visitors' insights into the contribution of women in the journey of national history.

Visitors can also see a collection of objects related to Inggit's daily life, including a traditional pestle and mortar to help make powder and herbal concoctions.

Two concoctions known as Kansai and Ningrum also illustrate Inggit's skills in mixing care products and traditional concoctions.

Through this collection, the public can learn about Inggit's life, which is not only related to political struggle, but also skills and economic independence.

Jajang said that public attention to the historic house began to increase since 2014, as more and more people introduced it through social media.

He hopes that more people, especially the younger generation, will visit so they can learn history directly through the relics and stories that are preserved.

In commemoration of National Museum Day, the public can visit the Inggit Garnasih Historic House for free to learn more about the struggles of women who have been an important part of Indonesian history.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/bhf)