(RE)DEFINING KARTINI
Kartini Day, celebrated in Indonesia on April 21st, honoring Raden Adjeng Kartini (1879-1904) —an unwavering catalyst for women's rights and education. A visionary far ahead of her time, Kartini was a vocal advocate for gender equality, championing women's access to education and empowerment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Indonesians commemorate her legacy through cultural events, speeches, and traditional dress parades, particularly in schools.
This year, Serumpun Kolektif is bringing a fresh perspective to Kartini Day, while expanding its reach to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, through a series of programs emphasizing the core issues Kartini fought for: Gender Equality and Education. The event put into spotlight women speakers and artists in the Netherlands with Indonesian roots, providing them a platform to share their exhilarating voices and stories.
It’s not just a celebration — it’s an evening of meaningful connections, inspiring exchanges and a heartfelt invitation to continue the pursuit of equality and honor the pioneers who’ve paved the way for so many of us.
EVENT DETAILS
What : Talks, Workshop, Art exhibition, Music, Communal dining
When : April 24th 2025
Time : 17:30 - 22:00
Ticket Price : EUR 25,00 with communal dining
SPEAKER / ARTISTS LIST
Lara Nuberg (Writer, speaker & moderator, NL)
Lara Nuberg writes, speaks and makes audio stories about (colonial) history, identity and memory culture. Together with Feba Sukmana, she published “De mooiste brieven van Kartini” (The most beautiful letters of Kartini), a reissue of the letters of Kartini in early 2025, providing reevaluation of Kartini’s letters through a postcolonial lens. In her earlier works, Lara collaborated with the Indonesian writer Lala Bohang to write the book In haar Voetsporen (Rose Stories, 2020), a search for the influence of history on their lives and those of the women in their Indian and Indonesian families. In 2021, Lara was one of the experts in the television program Het Museum van Nederland by Omroep Max. She is also a senior lecturer and coordinator at the educational project Koloniale Sporen in mijn Buurt.
Saur Marlina Manurung (Butet) (Sokola Institute, ID)
Butet is a teacher, activist and co-founder of Sokola Institute (one of the winners of the UNESCO International Literacy Prize 2024), the first organization in Indonesia which focuses on education for indigenous peoples and other marginalized groups in Indonesia. Sokola delivers education that respects and integrates the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the communities it serves. As of today, Sokola Institute has initiated programs in nine different
provinces throughout Indonesia, bringing literacy to more than 10,000 individuals, both children and adults in isolated indigenous communities. Through her work, Butet has received several international awards such as UNESCO's 'Man and Biosphere Award' 2001 and TIME Magazine's 'Hero of Asia' 2004. Currently Butet is a PhD Candidate in Anthropology at the University of Amsterdam.
Reva Riane (Private Investment Professional, ID)
Reva moved to the Netherlands 10 years ago as a student and currently working as a Senior Specialist in Private Investments. Over the years, she has been actively involved in women’s empowerment communities in both Indonesia and the Netherlands. Reva realizes that unfortunately, women still face a gender pay gap and are less likely to be promoted to senior positions. She believes having a community that is supportive of women's financial independence not only empowers us but also provides a safe space to learn from each other’s experiences.
Audrey Susanti M.Psych.,MSc., SEP, Psycholoog-NIP (Psychologist, ID)
Audrey is a psychologist with a specialization in Neurodivergent individuals (Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD) and developmental trauma. Audrey's professional journey is not just about providing therapy; it's about empowering her clients with the tools they need to thrive. Whether through one-on-one sessions, couples therapy, or educational workshops, she integrates the latest scientific research with a warm, empathetic approach.
Nabila Ernada (Media artist, ID)
Nabila Ernada is an Indonesian media artist and researcher. She is currently studying Social Design Masters at Design Academy Eindhoven (NL). Previously, she earned a BA in Media Studies and was a previous resident at Fabrica Research Centre (IT), V2_ (NL) and Schmiede (AT). She was trained as a communications specialist and social strategist in Indonesia.
Ratri Notosudirdjo (SayNoToSo) (ID)
Ratri is an interdisciplinary artist currently based in Rotterdam, Netherlands. She is an Indonesian diaspora, a poet, storyteller and performer. Her research and practice engage in de- and postcolonial theory, centring storytelling in both historic and contemporary contexts, and often examining mechanisms that enable the cultural and poetic identity of diaspora individuals.
ABOUT THE COLLECTIVE
Serumpun Kolektif is a community of like-minded Indonesian diaspora in the Netherlands, united by the mission to share and celebrate our cultural heritage through art and music.
The Netherlands has a strong Indonesian community and numerous cultural events, yet we believe an important voice is missing—one that provides a more well-rounded and inclusive representation of Indonesia’s artistic and musical landscape.
We aim to offer a platform for Indonesian diaspora artists while also creating informal, non-conventional education about our traditions. Through our work, we reclaim and share our own narrative, shedding light on historical and cultural events that have shaped Indonesia’s identity and brought us to where we are today.
Serumpun exists to fill in the gap.