Roekmini van Jepara

This collection shines a light on the life of Roekmini (1880-1951), the younger sister of the renowned Kartini from Jepara. Roekmini was a Javanese heroine who championed women’s rights through her work in wood carving and education. During her lifetime, the Dutch colonial government constrained Javanese noblewomen, depriving them of their identities and power. These colonial policies also shaped Javanese tradition and societal views. As noblewomen, Roekmini and her sisters were subjected to arranged marriages, which thwarted their plans to study in Holland. While Kartini articulated her feminist ideals and visions in writing, Roekmini faced a series of challenging phases to bring those dreams to life. Melissa’s illustration captures an alternate reality for Roekmini: a symbolic door that allows her to leap into a progressive future.