Google Doodle Commemorating Lasminingrat's Birthday, Female Cendekiawan From Tanah Sundanese

JAKARTA - Today's Google Doodle commemorates the 169th anniversary of Raden Ayu Raden Ayu Lasminingrat, a female scholar from Sundanese land.

Born on March 29, 1854 in Garut, the figure who is familiarly called Lasminingrat is the daughter of Raden Ayu Ria and Raden Haji Muhamad Musa, a pioneer in printed literature and Sundanese scholars.

Launching from the UIN Banten Repository, even though it was from a royal family, it turned out that Lasminingrat was not educated. But not without reason, Lasminingrat did not go to school because at that time in Garut there were no female special schools.

But instead, Lasminingrat had to separate from his family and be cared for by his father's friend, Levyson Norman. It was there that Lasminingrat finally learned, wrote, read, spoke Dutch, and also other knowledge related to women's routines.

Thanks to Levyson's services, Lasminingrat became the first Indonesian woman to be fluent in writing and reading Dutch at that time, and Lasminigrat aspired to advance equality for all Indonesian women.

Using its literacy skills, Lasminingrat adapts European fairy tales to Sundanese. Then in 1879, Lasminingrat began educating Indonesian children under his father's guidance.

He reads adapting books out loud, and teaches basic moral and psychological education to the children there. Lasminingrat also sent Indonesian native children to school and introduced them to international culture.

Even though he has taught, he continues to translate books into Sundanese, including Colorari volumes 1 and 2, which are widely known throughout Indonesia.

In 1907, Lasminingrat founded the Wife's Primary School, which helped women learn about women's empowerment, reading, and writing.

His school then developed into 200 students with 5 classes, and was recognized by the Dutch East Indies government in 1911. Over time, his school continued to grow and in 1934 it was expanded to other cities such as Wetan Garut, Cikajang, and Bayongbong.

Although the figure of Lasminingrat may no longer exist in the world, his writings are still found in public schools or elementary schools in West Java. In addition, the school as a result of his struggle is still standing in one corner of the city of Garut until now.