JRRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, officially expressed his support for the upcoming Kartini Fest 2026 during an audience with the event's organizing committee at the Ministry of Culture office in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

The festival is scheduled to take place on April 22, 2026, in Jepara, Central Java, to commemorate the birthday of R.A. Kartini, Indonesia's pioneering heroine for women's rights and education.

Under the theme “Empowered Women, Creating, and Cultured,” the event aims to highlight the pivotal role of women while strengthening the regional cultural and creative economy ecosystems.

Rully Syahputra, Chairman of the Kartini Fest 2026 Committee, detailed a diverse lineup of activities intended to engage both experts and the general public. The festival will feature a National Symposium expected to draw 700 participants to discuss women's leadership and cultural roles, alongside a Kartini Expo providing a dedicated space for MSMEs to showcase local products.

Furthermore, a cultural night will present a grand performance involving a collaboration of approximately 20 art studios from Jepara. To bridge the gap between history and the youth, various museum education activities will be hosted at the Kartini Museum in Jepara to introduce the history of Kartini’s struggle to the younger generation.

The organizers target a total of 1,000 direct participants, though many more are expected to join the public cultural festivities.

Minister Fadli Zon praised the initiative, noting that Kartini Fest 2026 serves as a vital tool for deepening the public's understanding of R.A. Kartini’s intellectual legacy. He specifically urged the committee to use the festival as momentum to revitalize public interest in the Kartini Museum through innovative and youth-oriented promotion strategies.

“The Ministry of Culture welcomes various community initiatives in reviving the values of R.A. Kartini's struggle through inclusive and educative cultural activities,” the Minister noted during the meeting, as quoted on Ministry's official website.

Through this collaboration between the central government, regional authorities, and cultural communities, the Ministry of Culture aims to ensure Kartini Fest 2026 becomes a landmark space for appreciation, education, and empowerment. By fostering an environment where young people can connect with their roots, the festival seeks to inspire a new generation to continue Kartini’s spirit in contributing to the nation's social and cultural life. ***