‘Sunting’: Tribute to women who shaped Indonesia

Exhibition unveils forgotten stories of Indonesian women who were instrumental to national development

JAKARTA, Indonesia (MNTV) – An exhibition at the National Museum in Jakarta sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of women in shaping Indonesia’s history, reports ANN. 

Titled “Sunting: Jejak Perempuan Indonesia Penggerak Perubahan” (Footprints of Indonesian women as drivers of change), the exhibition will run until July 31. 

According to exhibition curator Sabila Duhita Drijono, the women’s stories featured represent the spirit of “editing”, meaning they reshaped their lives, communities, and nation through various acts of struggle. 

The exhibition showcases the contributions of women pioneers during the colonial era in education, medicine, and journalism, including the eyeglasses of educational reformer Nyi Hadjar Dewantara, and articles by journalist Roehana Koeddoes.

The exhibition also highlights the works and ideas of contemporary thinkers, such as Saparinah Sadli, the first chairperson of the National Commission on Violence against Women, and philosopher Toety Heraty, inviting visitors to explore how they helped redefine the role of women in society. 

Other prominent figures featured in the exhibition include Emiria Soenassa, the first female painter from North Sulawesi, legendary singer and songwriter Titiek Puspa, and pioneering fashion designer Non Kawilarang.

Visitors, including Fiori Violetta, a 27-year-old social media specialist, have been captivated by the exhibition. Fiori was drawn to the section showcasing archival materials on pioneering female doctors Anna Warouw and Marie Thomas, who studied at the Training School for Native Physicians or School tot Opleiding van Inlandsche Artsen (STOVIA).

“I did not realize there were female doctors back then,” Fiori said. “It is interesting, because this kind of information is not always included in the history textbooks. Maybe it should be.” 

Stefer, a 36-year-old former mixed martial arts athlete, was also impressed by the exhibition. “I think the exhibition is really interesting,” he said. 

“There was a section about Ibu [Mrs.] Tien, and I realized there were so many remarkable Indonesian women in the past.”

The exhibition will conclude with an interactive installation art by Ika Vantiani, titled “Menjadi Dian yang Tak Padam” (To be an unquenchable light), symbolizing how women’s ideas continue to shine and inspire others across time. 

“Each woman in this exhibition is a light, not only for herself but also for those around her,” Ika explains.

Sabila said Ika’s work invites visitors to participate in the story because “the struggle of women does not end here. We are all still part of this long journey toward change.”