PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The atmosphere at Bandung City Hall felt different, the bright sky greeted the rows of State Civil Apparatus (ASN) who took part in the roll call, Monday (21/4/2025).

But it is not just an ordinary apple, this moment also commemorates Kartini Day, reviving the spirit of women's emancipation amidst the pulse of the Flower City.

What makes this roll call special is that all the roll call officers are women. From the host, the prayer reader, to the ceremony commander, all are carried out by strong women who are symbols of the real contribution of women in the public space.

Among the ASN ranks, there were also students from various levels, elementary, middle school and vocational school. They sang the song "Ibu Kita Kartini" with enthusiasm, accompanied by the City Hall Orchestra consisting of Bandung City musicians. The music and harmony of the children's voices added to the solemn atmosphere.

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan said that Kartini was not only a pioneering woman, but also a great thinker who transcended the boundaries of time.

"Today, we together commemorate the 146th birthday of Raden Ajeng Kartini, a fighter for women's emancipation rights through education and social movements. Kartini is a visionary woman, whose ideas are known throughout the world," he said.

Farhan explained that Kartini's struggle was inseparable from spiritual and intellectual strength. He said that the book Habis Gelap Terbitlah Terang is Kartini's work that is rooted in the values of the Qur'an, especially Al-Baqarah verse 157 which teaches about hope in the midst of difficulties.

"This value really touched Kartini's heart, that from the darkness of discrimination and backwardness, the light of hope and progress will be born," he said.

The city of Bandung, for Farhan, also has its own Kartini, Raden Dewi Sartika. He believes that Dewi Sartika's spirit of struggle is in line and in the same spirit as Kartini. If Kartini writes and inspires, then Dewi Sartika builds schools and empowers.

"We have Dewi Sartika, an education hero from Bandung City who founded the Kautamaan Istri School. This is a trace that cannot be separated from the role of women in shaping civilization," he said.

Farhan even mentioned that there is a direct historical connection between Kartini and Bandung. Her brother, Raden Kartono, died in Bandung.

Kartini also often sent letters to national movement figures who were living in Bandung at that time, such as from HOS Cokroaminoto. This further strengthened the emotional and historical connection between Kartini and the city of Bandung.

On that occasion, Farhan also emphasized his commitment to making Bandung a city that is friendly to women and upholds the values of equality.

One of the real forms is the provision of business capital assistance of Rp2 million to female heads of families (Pekka). This assistance is the result of collaboration with BAZNAS and a form of appreciation for the struggle of mothers who are the backbone of the family.

"They are the Kartinis of today. Strong women who in their silence bring about change. We all owe their strength and love," he said. (Diskominfo Kota Bandung/UPI)