In the heart of Central Jakarta, the National Museum has become a beacon of inspiration with its latest exhibition, Sunting: Jejak Perempuan Indonesia Penggerak Perubahan (Sunting: Footprints of Indonesian Women as Drivers of Change). Opened on April 21, 2025, in honor of Kartini Day, this captivating display traces the indelible contributions of Indonesian women to national development across centuries. Running until July 31, the exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the lives of female pioneers whose courage and vision continue to shape the nation’s identity.

A Historical Journey Begins with Ancient Wisdom

The exhibition opens with a striking 13th-century statue of Prajnaparamita, the Buddhist goddess of wisdom, believed to represent Queen Gayatri Rajapatni of the Majapahit Empire. According to historical texts like the Negarakretagama manuscript, Queen Gayatri was a figure of immense influence, mentoring key leaders such as Gajah Mada, the empire’s powerful prime minister, and her grandson King Hayam Wuruk, who ruled during Majapahit’s golden era. The statue stands as a powerful symbol of women’s intellectual and political impact in ancient times, setting the tone for a narrative that spans from antiquity to modernity.

From this ancient starting point, visitors are guided through galleries that highlight women’s roles during Indonesia’s colonial period. Artifacts such as a letterbox belonging to Raden Ajeng Kartini, the revered advocate for women’s education, and the eyeglasses of educational reformer Nyi Hadjar Dewantara, offer tangible connections to their groundbreaking work. Photographs and personal items from Marie Thomas, one of the first female physicians trained at the School tot Opleiding van Inlandsche Artsen (STOVIA), alongside articles by journalist Roehana Koeddoes, underscore the barriers these women broke in fields like education, medicine, and media.

Soenting Melajoe: A Name That Resonates

The exhibition’s title, Sunting, draws inspiration from Soenting Melajoe, a pioneering women’s newspaper founded by Roehana Koeddoes in 1912 in West Sumatra. The term “soenting” refers to a traditional female headdress, but it also means “to edit,” symbolizing the transformative power of women who reshaped their communities and nation. As curator Sabila Duhita Drijono explains, “The women’s stories featured in this exhibition, including Roehana Koeddoes’s, represent the spirit of ‘editing,’ meaning they reshaped their lives, communities, and nation through various acts of struggle.”

Front pages of Soenting Melajoe are prominently displayed, offering a window into early 20th-century feminist discourse. These archival treasures are complemented by a timeline of women’s activism in Indonesia, spotlighting contemporary figures like Saparinah Sadli, the inaugural chairperson of the National Commission on Violence against Women (Komnas Perempuan), and philosopher Toety Heraty, whose ideas challenged patriarchal norms.

Voices of Inspiration Across Generations

The exhibition also celebrates artistic and cultural icons who redefined women’s roles in Indonesian society. Emiria Soenassa, the first female painter from North Sulawesi, legendary singer-songwriter Titiek Puspa, and pioneering fashion designer Non Kawilarang are among the luminaries featured. Their stories, told through artifacts and multimedia displays, resonate with visitors of all ages, illustrating the diverse ways women have contributed to national progress.

Fiori Violetta, a 27-year-old social media specialist who visited the exhibition in early May, was particularly moved by the Prajnaparamita statue and the archival materials on early female doctors like Anna Warouw and Marie Thomas. “I did not realize there were female doctors back then” she said. “It is interesting, because this kind of information is not always included in the history textbooks. Maybe it should be.” Her sentiment reflects a broader desire among younger generations to uncover hidden narratives of women’s achievements.

Stefer, a 36-year-old former mixed martial arts athlete, echoed similar admiration. “I think the exhibition is really interesting” he said, noting a section dedicated to former First Lady Tien Soeharto. “There were so many remarkable Indonesian women in the past.” His comments highlight how the exhibition bridges historical knowledge with personal discovery, fostering a deeper appreciation for women’s contributions.

An Interactive Legacy of Light

The exhibition culminates in a thought-provoking installation by artist Ika Vantiani titled Menjadi Dian yang Tak Padam (To Be an Unquenchable Light). Crafted from postcards pinned to fabric around a cylindrical tower with inner lighting, the artwork symbolizes the enduring brilliance of women’s ideas across generations. Visitors are encouraged to take a postcard, write their reflections on the stories they’ve encountered, and add it to the installation, becoming part of the ongoing narrative of change.

“Each woman in this exhibition is a light, not only for herself but also for those around her” Ika explains in the accompanying description. Curator Sabila adds, “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.” This interactive element transforms the exhibition from a static display into a living dialogue, connecting past struggles with present aspirations.

A Space for Reflection and Inspiration

Collaborating with historians, artists, and curators, the Sunting exhibition has attracted a diverse audience to the National Museum, sparking conversations about gender, history, and progress. For many, it serves as a reminder of the often-overlooked contributions of women in shaping Indonesia’s cultural and social landscape. The intricate carvings of the Prajnaparamita statue, the personal artifacts of trailblazers like Kartini, and the contemporary resonance of activists like Saparinah Sadli weave a narrative that is both educational and deeply moving.

As visitors leave the exhibition, many carry with them a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by the unquenchable light of Indonesian women past and present. In a nation still grappling with gender disparities, Sunting offers not just a look back but a call forward, urging society to continue editing its future with equity and recognition for all.