Kartini Day 2018: Elegant Celebration with First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo

"Do you know my motto? I will!

Those two brief words have often supported and took me crossing 

mountains of difficulties and grieves

While the words "I can not" will eliminate our strength

The words "I will" make us hike the mountain easily"

 (Letter of Kartini "Habis Gelap Terbitlah Terang")

Those very words are written by Kartini in a letter to Mevrouw Abendanon and her Dutch friends in the Netherlands. Long before we are all accustomed with the term of girl or woman power, Kartini was probably the first in Indonesia who encapsulated the true meaning of national heroine. 

Born in 21 April 1879 to a noble Javanese family, Kartini received a short yet meaningful education. She spoke Dutch fluently and this had ease her communication with foreign counterparts. Smart, strong willed and passionate about providing education to children, particularly girls, Kartini established a school on the courtyard of her Father's residence. The school was attended by children of the villagers and workers in her Father's household. This school for girls was considered among the very first in Indonesia which educate girls. In short, long before the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 was incepted, Kartini had rightly proposed the right of education for women and girls as well as equality among men and women. 

Given Kartini's outstanding contribution, she has been declared as National Hero in Indonesiai. Each April 21, which is her birthday, the Kartini Day is celebrated nation wide, from schools and universities to government offices. 

Madam Iriana Joko Widodo, Indonesia's First Lady, just hosted an elegant celebration of Kartini Day 2018 at the Bogor Presidential Palace. Along with Madam Mufidah Jusuf Kalla, the spouse of Indonesian Vice President, the First Lady granted a few awards to inspiring Indonesian women who have delivered best contribution to Indonesian people. These women could come from various lines of career, such as social worker, academic, medical doctor, lawyer, etc. This year, the women awardees consist of a traditional weaver of Bataknese Tenun, Catholic nun, and a Balinese Spa products creator.

As Kartini Day is not only about emancipation, but it has also encompassed culture, the celebration also presents show presenting Indonesia traditional fashion. Batik, Tenun, Songket, Tapis were all displayed by spouses of Governors and Armed Forces officers during the celebration. 

Oh and it didn't stop there as the audience were in awe with the charming appearances by three female Ministers serving in President Joko Widodo's cabinet, including H.E. Mrs Retno LP Marsudi, Indonesia's Foreign Minister. Mrs Yohana Yembise, Minister for Women Empowerment and Child Protection, as well as Mrs Siti Nurbaya, Minister for Environment were also in attendance. 

JET is utterly joyful and proud to be invited to celebrate Kartini Day in the Presidential Palace. Indeed, the Palace served as a lovely venue to the historical celebration. From the melodious musical tunes to the fashion show, the event besotted the hearts and minds of the audiences. 

As indonesians are celebrating Kartini Day, let me extend "Selamat Hari Kartini, semoga semangat dan perjuangan Ibu Kartini terus hidup bersama kita".

Add JET in Instagram (@JETANDJUNG) and Facebook page (JET's Fashion Diplomacy), Twitter (@Jonesey4Eva) to see more image and witness the beautiful show. 

Ps. Catatan Kecil untuk Sahabats Fashionista dan Rekans Diplomat

Meskipun Ibu Kartini hidup di dua abad lampau, visi dan pemikiran beliau tetap relevan di abad ke-21. Tengok pesan yang tertulis dalam surat-surat kepada sahabat-sahabat Ibu Kartini di negeri Belanda. Bahkan jauh sebelum Deklarasi Universal tentang Hak Asasi Manusia dicetuskan di tahun 1948, Ibu Kartini lebih dulu merealisasikan sekolah untuk anak gadis. 

Habis Gelap Terbitlah Terang bukanlah ungkapan klise, melainkan suatu jeritan hati Ibu Kartini yang mendambakan perubahan bagi anak cucu buyutnya untuk hidup lebih baik. Mari lanjutkan komitmen Ibu Kartini. 

Melalui kesederhanaan penampilan dan kesantunan tutur katanya, tampak kematangan karakter dan intelektualitas Ibu Kartini. Kebaya warna putih dan gading dilengkapi kain Batik tulis sogan yang menjadi trademark dress code beliau kini dikenal dengan sebutan Kebaya Kartini. Without even realizing it, Ibu Kartini was one of Indonesia's first and foremost fashion icons. Let us follow Ibu Kartini's exemplary footsteps in promoting Indonesian culture, partly through our appearance and fashion. Again, it does not have to be expensive. Most importantly our look should echo our love for Tanah Air. Bravo perempuan Indonesia, Kartini Zaman Now!

Ibuku dan Ibu Negaraku

My Mother, Mr Henny Tandjung, and my country's First Lady , Madam Iriana Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace in Bogor.

JET in front of the charming Presidential Palace in Bogor with its golden dome. 

JET wears hand-painted Batik by Dwi Hadi Batik in Solo. 

Opung (Grandma) Valentina, a traditional weaver from Medan who is an award recipient is interviewed by First Lady. 

Sister Eustochia, a Catholic Nun from Maumere, shares her experience in addressing victims of human trafficking to Madam Mufidah Jusuf Kalla. 

The impressive show taking place at the vast courtyard of Bogor Presidential Palace. 

Batik, Tenun, Tapis, Songket and other traditional textiles are displayed splendourly by spouses of Governors and Armed Forces Officers who served as models at the show. 

With Madam Olly Dodokambey, spouse of North Sulawesi Governor 

Mom and Madam Fanny Djundjunan, spouse of Director for Legal Affairs and Regional Treaty, Foreign Ministry. 

First Lady and Mrs Kalla are accompanied by Foreign Minister H.E. Mrs Retno Marsudi, Women Empowerment Minister Mrs Yohana Yembise, Environmental Minister Mrs Siti Nurbaya. 

Beautiful morning from Bogor Presidential Palace

JET dressed to the nines in Batik handpainted shirt by Dwi Hadi, Solo. 

#JETFashionDiplomacy

#HariKartini2018

#MrsHennyTandjung

#IndonesianFashionDiplomacy

#IndonesianBatik

#MadeInIndonesia

#ProudIndonesia