10 inspiring heroines in the spirit of Heroes’ Day 2025

Jakarta (ANTARA) – With the beginning of November, Indonesia once again prepares to commemorate Heroes’ Day which falls every November 10. On the occasion of the 2025 commemoration, the national theme carried out by the Ministry of Social Affairs is “My hero, my example: keep moving, continuing the fight”.

This theme is an invitation to all people to continue to carry forward the fire of the heroes’ struggle through concrete actions in everyday life. Among the many heroes who have carved national history, female figures have played an extraordinary role in the struggle for independence and in the national movement. Their courage, intelligence and determination are timeless examples.

To revive the spirit of Heroes’ Day 2025 commemoration, below are some female heroes who have contributed and continue to inspire the current generation, in line with the spirit of this year’s Heroes’ Day, based on information gathered from various sources.

Female heroes who inspired Indonesia

1. Cut Nyak Dien

This Acehnese heroine is known for being tenacious in leading the resistance against Dutch colonial troops in the Acehnese War. His fighting spirit was further ignited when the Dutch invaded in late 1875, forcing him to leave his hometown and separate from those closest to him. Even though he faced several losses, he never gave up defending his homeland.

2. Raden Ajeng Kartini

Kartini is remembered as a figure who pioneered women’s equality in Indonesia, especially in the field of education. Her advanced thinking inspired the birth of schools for women through the Kartini Foundation, founded in 1912. Her struggle has become an important foundation for women’s education to this day.

3. Dewi Sartika

This Cicalengka figure has dedicated his life to promoting women’s education in the archipelago. Born on December 4, 1884 to a noble family, Dewi Sartika has been known since childhood to be intelligent and possessed of broad insights. She used her knowledge and privilege to establish girls’ schools in Sunda and fight for the right to learn for all groups.

4. Keumalahayati

This figure, known as Admiral Malahayati, is one of the first female naval officers in the world. His military skills were forged from a young age at the naval academy, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. After her husband’s death, she gathered an army of women known as Inong Balee to face the invaders.

Malahayati led thousands of fighters and hundreds of ships in various battles in the Straits of Malacca, even managing to kill the Dutch leader Cornelis de Houtman in 1599. He died in 1615, but his courage and leadership will be remembered forever.

5. Holy Spirit

This Minangkabau woman, born on December 20, 1884, is known as the first female journalist in Indonesia. He also has family relationships with two historical figures, Chairil Anwar and Soetan Sjahrir.

Rohana founded the Amai Setia craft school in 1911 in Koto Gadang which taught women various skills, from literacy to home economics. She actively fought through writing and education to improve the dignity of women.

6. Christina Martha Tiahahu

This young Moluccan fighter took to the battlefield with his father, Kapitan Paulus Tiahahu, against the Dutch colonial powers. The loss of his father did not dampen his determination to continue fighting.

Christina was finally captured and exiled to Java. He died at a young age due to illness while in exile, but his courage has become a symbol of the struggle of the younger generation.

7. Nyi Ageng Serang

A courageous female figure from Central Java who took part in the Diponegoro War. He was known to be able to formulate an effective war strategy to deal with the Dutch troops. His skill and courage made him one of the most important figures in the resistance of the Javanese people.

8. Maria Walanda Maramis

Minahasa fighting women who focus on fighting for access to education and improving women’s well-being. She founded an organization that works in the field of women’s empowerment, as well as encouraging women to play an active role in social life.

9. Nyai Ahmad Dahlan

As the founder of Aisyiyah together with her husband, Ahmad Dahlan, she played an important role in opening educational opportunities for women within the Islamic organization Muhammadiyah. The movement helps women gain rights and greater spaces in society.

10. Fatmawati Soekarno

The first lady of the Republic of Indonesia is not only known for sewing the red and white flag that flew during the Proclamation. She is also actively involved in various social and humanitarian activities, proving that women’s contribution in nation building is enormous.

In addition to the above ten heroes, there are of course many other Indonesian heroines who have made extraordinary contributions to the nation’s history.

Every story of their struggle teaches that courage, intelligence and determination can pave the way for this country’s independence and progress. Their enthusiasm will always be a source of inspiration for the next generation to continue working, maintain unity, and play an active role in building a more advanced Indonesia.

Read also: Why is November 10 designated as Heroes’ Day? This is the story

Also Read: Various Activities for Heroes’ Day 2025 at Central, Regional and Abroad Levels

Read also: Guidelines for the implementation of the Heroes’ Day 2025 “moment of silence” for 60 seconds

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