It proves that women have long thought about the welfare of the people and the nationJakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Bintang Puspayoga has invited the younger generation to gain greater knowledge about the national hero Roehana Koeddoes and emulate her.
"As a fighter for women's rights, Koeddoes is an example and inspiration for the nation's next generation, especially women," Puspayoga noted in a press release here on Wednesday.
Koeddoes, a hero from West Sumatra, had earlier appeared as a Google Doodle.
Puspayoga remarked that the spirit of women to fight for their welfare had been encouraged since a long time, akin to what Koeddoes had done. Some women also strive for welfare through their knowledge.
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"It proves that women have long thought about the welfare of the people and the nation," she pointed out.
Koeddoes was the first female national hero, with a journalistic background in Indonesia. She was born in Minangkabau, West Sumatra, on December 20, 1884.
Puspayoga noted that in commemorating National Heroes Day, the spotlight should be placed on Koeddoes, who deserves to be well-known, on account of her exemplary contribution to the advancement of Indonesian women.
Koeddoes was the older sister of the first and former Indonesian prime minister Soetan Sjahrir and the aunt of national poet Chairil Anwar.
Koeddoes, in her profession as the first woman journalist in Indonesia, was known for her bold writings that encouraged guerrilla warfare against the Dutch colonization.
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Despite not having received a formal education, Koeddoes was accustomed to reading and writing as well as was fluent in Dutch since a young age.
Koeddoes' contribution was not only limited to the world of journalism, but she also paid attention to women's role in education, ethics, finance, the Dutch language, and religion.
It was also reported that Koeddoes was the pioneer of the Putri Hindia newspaper in 1908. Thereafter, on July 10, 1912, she founded the Soenting Melayoe newspaper.
She established the newspaper, so that more people would know about her aspirations of advancing women in her region.
The Soenting Melayoe newspaper was the first tabloid wherein the employee force was all-woman, such as the editor-in-chief, editor, and reporters.
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The motto of the Soenting Melayoe newspaper was the newspaper of women, by women, and for women. With that motto, she was optimistic that more women would fight for equality across genders, especially in the field of education and for job opportunities.
On November 8, 2019, Koeddoes received the title of National hero from the Government of Indonesia.
The award was bestowed by President Joko Widodo on Governor of West Sumatra and Koeddoes' heirs at the State Palace, based on Decree No. 120 TK of 2019 on Awarding the Title of National Hero.
Koeddoes, who passed away on August 17, 1972, has left behind a spirit for advancing women's rights.
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Translator: Anita D, Kenzu T
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
