Biography

 Dewi Sartika

Dewi Sartika known as one of Indonesian national heroes. Dewi Sartika was born on December 4th, 1884. Her father was Raden Somanegara and her mother was Nyi Raden Rajapermas. Dewi Sartika born in a Sundanese noble family. Her parent were fighting so hard to sent her to school, it was because at that time sending women to a school was againts the culture. After school, Dewi Sartika often pretended to be a teacher while playing with her parents.

After her father died, Dewi Sartika lived with her uncle named Arya who was a governor of Cicalengka. At that time, her mother was exiled to Ternate for rebelling the Netherlands East Indies government. Dewi Sartika gained knowledge of Sundanese culture from her uncle, while her knowledge of western culture was gained from the wife of residence assisstant. She showed her interest in education by teaching children of Kepatihan maid, so they were able to write and read a few words in Dutch.

In 1899 she moved to Bandung and stay with her mother. She became more determined to reach her goal to establish a school that aimed to promote women’s education. Finally, on January 16, 1904 she established a school named Sekolah Isteri at Bandung Regency’s Pendopo. Sekolah Isteri was originally had only 20 students. Dewi Sartika was helped by two cousins, Ny. Poerwa and Nyi Oewid.

In 1906, Dewi Sartika married Raden Kanduruhan Agah Suriawinata, who was a teacher at Sekolah Karang Pamulang. From her marriage, she has a son named Raden Atot. In 1910, Sekolah Isteri was relocated to Ciguriang street and the school name changed to Sekolah Kaoetamaan Isteri (Wife Eminency School). In 1912, there were nine Sekolah Kaoetamaan Isteri on regencies of West Java. After 25 years, the school name changed to Sekolah Raden Dewi. As for her dedication on education field, she was awarded by the Indian-Dutch government on Desember 1st, 1966 as National Independence Hero.

Dewi Sartika died on September 11th, 1947 in Tasikmalaya while she was evacuating from Bandung due to independence war. She died at the age of 62 years old. She was buried in the funeral in Cigagadon rahayu village district of Cincem. After 3 years, her tomb was moved to a cemetary complex Regent of Bandung at Karang anyar street, Bandung regency.