Humans are social beings who rely on one another in their lives. With diversity such as gender, race, ethnicity, and customs, people gather into communities, nations, and states.
In living with diversity, encountering obstacles and challenges is common. For instance, Indonesia’s experience of being colonized by foreign powers for approximately 350 years represents one such phenomenon.
To uphold the nation’s identity and safeguard numerous lives and the spirit of Indonesian society, the figures who fought against colonial powers did not necessarily require titles or rewards; they rightfully deserve to be acknowledged as heroes. Heroes are individuals who exhibit courage, contribute to the pursuit of truth, and strive for independence.
Anugrah Andriansah, in his written work, asserts that Indonesian heroes are predominantly represented with a masculine approach based on the records of the State Secretariat of the 21st Century. This indicates that the majority of heroes are men, while female heroes are scarcely recorded in history.
Women during the pre-independence era up to the reformation period actively participated in the struggle for Indonesian independence, yet their roles remain seldom highlighted in public discourse. Discussions regarding women have become prevalent in various circles recently. Around the 19th century or earlier, there was a tendency for discrimination, patriarchy, subordination, and marginalization of women, viewing them as secondary to men, despite both being equally human.
Women’s lives back then seemed constructed by society, deeming it mandatory for women to confine themselves to their homes and forbidding them from leaving. However, over time, certain parties, including women themselves, began to raise awareness and fight for women’s rights.
The representation of female heroes taught in schools typically centers on R.A. Kartini, who championed women’s emancipation. Kartini advocated for women to have equal rights in education alongside men.