April 21st marks the commemoration of the birth of Indonesia's national heroine, RA Kartini, renowned for her advocacy for women's emancipation.

Born Raden Ajeng Kartini, she is celebrated across Indonesia for her efforts in championing women's rights.

As a heroine, RA Kartini authored several significant works, which remain invaluable literature for the women's emancipation movement in Indonesia.

One of her seminal works, titled 'Habis Gelap Terbitlah Terang' ('Out of Darkness Comes Light'), continues to inspire generations with Kartini's profound thoughts.

Kartini was born into nobility as the eldest daughter of the Regent of Jepara, Raden Mas Sosriningrat, and MA Ngasirah, the daughter of a religious teacher in Teluwakur, Jepara.

Coming from aristocratic lineage, Kartini enjoyed privileges uncommon for indigenous children, such as attending the Europesche Lagere School (ELS), a primary school equivalent at that time.

However, despite the opportunity for education, Kartini's journey was impeded as societal norms dictated that she conform to traditional customs, limiting her to a life mostly within the confines of her home.

Nevertheless, Kartini's thirst for knowledge remained unquenched. Amassing a collection of books at home, she continued her intellectual pursuits and nurtured her critical thinking skills.

Even in her youth, Kartini displayed remarkable talent, producing writings like 'Upacara Perkawinan pada Suku Toraja' ('Marriage Ceremony in the Toraja Tribe'), published in Holandsche Lelie when she was just 14 years old.

While awaiting her impending betrothal, Kartini engaged in active correspondence, sharing her reflections on various issues including women's education, feudal culture, forced marriages, and polygamy with her Dutch pen pals.

Among her correspondents was Rosa Abendanon, whose husband, Mr JH Abendanon, collected Kartini's letters and published them in 1911 under the title 'Door Duisternis tot Licht' ('Out of Darkness Comes Light').

In 1922, Balai Pustaka published the book in Malay under the same title, 'Habis Gelap Terbitlah Terang: Boeah Pikiran'.

Subsequently, in 1938, Armijn Pane, a prominent literary figure of the Pujangga Baru movement, released another version of 'Habis Gelap Terbitlah Terang', further solidifying Kartini's legacy in Indonesian literature.

As Indonesia celebrates Kartini Day on April 21st, her enduring legacy continues to inspire progress towards gender equality and societal advancement.