A Beacon of Beautiful Minds

“My Generation: Women and Kartini” by Narasi Wastra, Osario and Yayasan Jantung Indonesia present a collection of photographs and a collective of ideas as a special tribute to women empowerment

“We have to leave a mark in our history. We have to determine a future in line with the needs of a woman, and should receive equal opportunities like men in education,” is one of the famous quotes from Raden Ajeng Kartini. Living at the turn of the 20th century, Kartini, a prominent Javanese woman and an Indonesian national heroine, was ahead of her time. During a short yet sweet life of 25 years, she fought for changes in the lives of Indonesian women through education. Seven years after her death in 1904, the book “Habis Gelap, Terbitlah Terang” was published. The book records her ideas and feelings regarding the socio-cultural conditions of Javanese women at that time and how she wished to break the traditional view and expectations for women in Indonesia.

Today, the fruits of her labour for emancipation has brought forth forward-thinking women with broad insights and swift minds to build the nation and its character. Her spirit and passion have instilled and inspired Indonesian women to advance themselves and achieve equality in different aspects of society. Hence, in conjunction with the celebration of Kartini’s Day and International Mother’s Day, Narasi Wastra presented a collaboration with Osario, Manjusha and Yayasan Jantung

Indonesia, “My Generation: Women and Kartini”.

Beatrix Santi Anugrah, the founder of Narasi Wastra, dan Maria Rosario DS, the founder of Osario, initiated the event and invited fifty-four inspiring Indonesian women with diverse backgrounds, expertise and characters. The aim was to record their combinations of inner and outer beauty through discussions about Kartini and kebaya-themed photo shoots. Located at First Crack Coffee, Rosso at Shangri-la Hotel, Jakarta, and Tugu Kunstkring Paleis, this chain of events was held for a whole month, starting from

March 10 until April 10. As a result, gathered here are their thoughts about Kartini’s ideas and works, the strength of women, and the beauty of a mother’s love.

Meanwhile, for the photo shoots, these ladies donned a fine collection to showcase the richness of kutubaru kebaya and batik tulis halus from Narasi Wastra. Completing the look, they wore brocade mules and elegant clutches by Osario, as well as Manjusha Nusantara jewellery collection. Each participant also got their makeup beautifully done thanks to Lancome’s professional makeup artists and products.

The word “wastra” refers to the traditional textiles of Indonesia and all the ancient tradition and history from different ethnicities behind them. To represent the abundance of Indonesian culture, the curation process and quality control have to be meticulous. More than appreciating these textiles, Narasi Wastra aims to keep the heritage alive and provide the necessary support for wastra artisans to live a better life. The brand believes that traditional textiles have a bright future if our people infuse them as a living culture and part of our lifestyle. Kartini’s spirit of women emancipation would then live on side-by-side with her love of heritage and culture.

“Parents can become our best friend to help resolve any problems in life”

—TRIXIE ANINDITA

“Parents should give support and assistance to their children during the journey in pursuing their dreams”

—BEATRIX SANTI ANUGRAH

“An intelligent and strong woman is not only seen from the level of her education” —CINDY C. A. TUMILAAR

“Parents should give support and assistance to their children during the journey in pursuing their dreams” —BEATRIX SANTI ANUGRAH

“An intelligent and strong woman is not only seen from the level of her education”

—CINDY C. A. TUMILAAR

“Indonesian women should stand up for their rights and opportunities in pursuing their dreams” —DEWI MAKES

“Besides selfconfidence, remember to trust in God’s power and His compassion” —SITA DAMAYANTI SATAR

From left: Beatrix Santi Anugrah, founder of Narasi Wastra, and Maria Rosario DS, founder of Osario Clockwise from left:

From top: (standing, back row) Elena van Meeteran and Karina Gunawan; (sitting, middle row) Indri Krishnavari, Debbie Robert and Dwi Handayani; (sitting, front row) Natasya Robert. Jessica Pramudita, Diza Clarissa Waworuntu, and Trixie Anindita. Opposite page, from top: (sitting, left to right) Cindy C. A Tumilaar, Sri Iqbal, Paula Henry Panjaitan, and Pristina Hermastuti; (standing, left to right) Endah David Pirzada, Vilia Viori Rumantir, Ferani Sis Apik, Diana Ronny Venir, and Maya Harianton. Endah David Pirzada, Vilia Viori Rumantir, Ferani Sis Apik, Diana Ronny Venir, and Maya Hariantono. (sitting, left to right) Gabby Lalamentik, Terry Wijaya Supit and Ria Wulandari; (standing, left to right) Beatrix Santi Anugrah and Maria Rosario DS.

Clockwise from top left: Novi Ariwibowo and Sita Damayanti Satar. Dewi Soedarjo, Andria Sisca Alex and Tia Irmawan. Roswita Riyanti Arifin, Shinta Omar and Ayu Heni Rosan. Opposite page, clockwise from top left: (sitting, front row) Trisni Ruslim, Nadia Wijoyo, and Dewi Makes; (standing, back row) Dewita Anggraeni Saraswati, and Yulianti Oetomo. Lenita Tobing. Wilsa Saleh Malik. Ay Tjhing Phan and Metta Ariesta

(Sitting, front row): Yolanda Hutapea, Imelda Suardi and Ismeilia Suardi; (standing, back row) Mercy Fransisca Sinaga and Grace Dina Hutabarat. Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Githa Tri Halima. Lila Nirmandari, Sari Dewi Magdalena, Fanina Prawiro and dr. Grace Hananta, C.HT. Eryolanda and drg. Ketsia Ximena Sihotang. Evi Sofia, Okky Hendarsanti and Sri Wulandari