ABSTRACT

Raden Adjeng Kartini, whose name is identified with the feminist movement in Indonesia, was, along with her sister, among the first women in the Indonesian aristocracy to have had the advantage of a Western education. Her father was a liberal, an aristocrat who held an important position in the Dutch "indirect" administration. In the extracts contained in this chapter, Kartini describes the humiliating encounters between the Javanese and the Dutch colonial officials. The Government believes that if the people were educated, they would no longer be willing to work the land. The Europeans are troubled by many traits in the Javanese, by their indifference and lack of initiative. There are many Government officials, who allow the native rulers to kiss their feet, and their knees. Kissing the foot is the highest token of respect that we Javanese can show to our parents, or elderly blood relatives, and to our own rulers.