Celebrating Kartini Day, UNU Jogja Promotes Cultural Values and Gender Equality Through Traditional Attire

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – A vibrant atmosphere filled the campus of Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) as members of the academic community wore kebaya and traditional attire to commemorate Kartini Day on Tuesday, April 21. The diverse colors and patterns of traditional clothing created a warm ambiance while fostering closer interaction across the campus.

The celebration was carried out following a campus circular encouraging the use of kebaya and traditional outfits as a form of cultural preservation and a reflection of women’s emancipation within the academic environment.

Acting Executive Secretary of UNU Jogja, Suharti, stated that the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to instilling cultural values while strengthening the spirit of equality in academia. According to her, commemorating Kartini Day within an educational institution serves as a moment to revive the ideals of Raden Ajeng Kartini in promoting women’s emancipation through education.

“What Indonesian women enjoy today is the result of Kartini’s thoughts and vision. She believed that education could liberate women from backwardness. For her, education was the path to emancipation,” she said.

She added that the value of equality is also reflected in UNU Jogja as an inclusive campus, where women hold strategic roles at various levels. Equal opportunities are provided for both male and female students to develop their potential.

Meanwhile, UNU Jogja librarian Istiana emphasized that the kebaya is not merely traditional clothing, but a symbol carrying the values of struggle and the identity of Indonesian women. She noted that every piece of kebaya embodies the spirit of emancipation as well as national pride.

“We feel that we are not only wearing traditional attire, but also celebrating the values and spirit of struggle embedded within it,” she explained.

She further highlighted that the kebaya represents not only cultural heritage but also the evolving strength and role of Indonesian women over time. Kartini Day, therefore, is not only a remembrance of past struggles, but also a reminder that women today play a vital role in various fields, including education and innovation.

Through this celebration, UNU Jogja not only commemorates Kartini Day symbolically but also reinforces its commitment to preserving cultural values, promoting equality, and encouraging the active participation of women in both academic and societal spheres. [Latifah]