RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Every April 21, Indonesia celebrates Kartini Day, honoring Kartini, a pioneer of women’s emancipation in Indonesia. During this year’s Francophone Week celebrations, the Romanian Ambassador, Dan Adrian Bălănescu, emphasized that Kartini is not only a national figure, but also an inspiration to the international community.

The French Ambassador, Fabien Penone, even acknowledged that Kartini has played a diplomatic role. Francophonie Week in Indonesia has been officially opened from April 20 to 24, 2026.

At the opening ceremony held at IFI Jakarta on Monday, April 20, 2026, representatives from Francophone member states gathered to celebrate this annual cultural event.

In addition to showcasing the cultures of French-speaking countries, the French Ambassador to Indonesia, Fabien Penone, underscored the importance of highlighting Kartini’s spirit during this year’s Francophonie Week. He stated that Kartini’s values align with the vision of French diplomacy.

“Kartini is a major figure here in Indonesia of women's emancipation, of gender equality. So for France, as we have also a feminist diplomacy, it is important to celebrate Kartini. And this is why in the program of the Week of Francophonie, we will also organize several events tomorrow related to Kartini,” Penone spoke after the opening ceremony.

Along with Fabien, the Romanian Ambassador to Indonesia, Dan Adrian Bălănescu, also views the commemoration of Kartini Day as significant moment. As Chairperson of this year’s Francophonie Week, he noted that Kartini is not only a national heroine, but also an inspiration to the international community.

Bălănescu stated, “Of course this is very important and I know Kartini is a major figure of the fight for education, for women's rights in Indonesia. We are all celebrating it together in the embassies I think. It's an example, not only for Indonesia but also for other countries, and we share very much this example.”

For four days, Francophonie Week features a variety of artistic works ranging from music and visuals exhibition to film. Specifically on the second day, which fell precisely on Kartini Day, the committee held a special event, a writing workshop titled “Kartini Today” at Gramedia Jalma Jakarta, as a tribute to the pioneer of women’s emancipation in Indonesia, Raden Ajeng Kartini.

International Francophonie Day is celebrated annually on March 20. Francophonie Week is organized by the 18 embassies of French-speaking countries, namely Armenia, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, France, Egypt, Hungary, Morocco, Mexico, Romania, Rwanda, Seychelles, Switzerland, Tunisia, Ukraine, and Uruguay, along with their partners. More than a hundred events are held in nine cities across the archipelago, namely Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Solo, Surabaya, Bali, Medan, Makassar, and Semarang.