In a remarkable initiative, students from Surabaya University commemorated Raden Ajeng Kartini by creating an artistic mosaic composed of thousands of sticky notes last Tuesday. This artwork is part of the celebrations for Kartini Day 2026, with the mosaic designed to reach a height of 2.4 meters.
Under the theme "Rise with Kartini," the Student Executive Board of Surabaya University (BEM Ubaya) invited all members of the academic community to participate by writing inspiring messages that reflect Kartini's spirit. Rishi Devalino, the president of BEM Ubaya, explained that the goal of this activity is to encourage the current generation to continue Kartini's efforts in education and empowerment.
Event Details
The preparation of the mosaic took a full week, starting with the selection of a portrait of Kartini, which was then transformed into a digital design using Adobe Illustrator. The design was printed on a canvas to serve as a base for attaching the sticky notes. Ten students participated in the final stage of the project, arranging the colorful notes in shades of green, yellow, pink, and blue to form an image of Kartini.
Rishi stated, "This mosaic is a testament to the students' ability to produce artistic works on Kartini Day. We aim to promote empowerment, not just for women but for the entire community." Although there are no precise statistics, the number of sticky notes used is estimated to be in the thousands.
Background & Context
Raden Ajeng Kartini is considered a symbol of women's empowerment in Indonesia, having fought for women's rights and education in the early 20th century. Kartini Day is celebrated on April 21 each year, honoring her contributions to advancing women's rights and her role in society. This day serves as an opportunity to highlight women's issues in Indonesia.
Kartini's significance is evident in her influence on subsequent generations, inspiring many women to engage in education and actively participate in society. Commemorating her through the arts demonstrates how art can be a medium for expressing the values and principles she fought for.
Impact & Consequences
This initiative by the students of Surabaya University illustrates how the arts can play a role in raising social and cultural awareness. By creating this mosaic, the values of creativity and empowerment are reinforced, encouraging youth to express themselves and engage in social issues.
This event also reflects the importance of education in empowering individuals and communities, as education is a fundamental tool for achieving gender equality. Student participation in such activities fosters a spirit of collaboration and teamwork, contributing to a more interactive and positive academic community.
Regional Significance
Issues of women's empowerment and education are also vital in the Arab world. Celebrating figures like Kartini can inspire Arab women to continue their struggle for their rights. Additionally, the arts are seen as an effective means of expressing social and cultural issues within Arab communities.
Ultimately, this event showcases how art and education can unite to promote human values, enhancing the role of youth in building their communities and achieving positive change.