Menbud Fadli Zon Traces the Footprint of Rahmah El Yunusiyyah, Soroti the Great Heritage of Women's Education

Fadli Zon traced the footsteps of National Hero Rahmah El Yunusiyyah in Padang Panjang, West Sumatra, Thursday, March 12, 2026. (IST)

JAKARTA - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon traced the footsteps of National Hero Rahmah El Yunusiyyah in Padang Panjang, West Sumatra, Thursday, March 12, 2026. The footprint highlights Rahmah's great legacy as a pioneer of Islamic education for women, as well as a figure whose footsteps are still strong in penetrating the era.

The visit began at the residence of Rahmah El Yunusiyyah, which is now a museum. At that location, Fadli was accompanied by Rahmah's great-granddaughter who is also the leader of Diniyyah Puteri, Fauziah Fauzan El Muhammady. He reviewed Rahmah's life traces, ranging from family genealogy, her struggle to establish Diniyyah Puteri, to the awards that the figure had received.

Fadli considered Rahmah's pioneering work to be an important example, especially for Indonesian women. "At that time he was very young, he took the initiative to establish a school which until now has grown and produced teachers which have been spread throughout the archipelago," said Fadli.

Rahmah El Yunusiyyah, founder of Perguruan Diniyyah Puteri, was designated as a National Hero by President Prabowo Subianto in 2025. The institution he built not only produced teachers, but also shaped the character of Islamic-minded women, preparing mothers as educators in families and communities, and fostering social responsibility.

According to Fadli, the influence of Diniyyah Puteri can also be seen from the figures who were born from the educational environment. One of them is Rasuna Said, who is also a National Hero. He also mentioned the name Aishah Gani from Malaysia as well as a number of other women who are now active in various fields.

Fadli also highlighted the importance of the museum which occupies the original house of Rahmah El Yunusiyyah. According to him, the place holds great historical value and needs to continue to be introduced to the younger generation. Therefore, he encouraged that the museum be designated as a National Cultural Heritage.

The trail continues to the tomb of Rahmah El Yunusiyyah and the Perguruan Diniyyah Puteri boarding house. The 2.5-hectare boarding house is equipped with various learning facilities for students.

Accompanying Fadli on the visit were also Padang Panjang Deputy Mayor Allex Saputra and the regional government. Those who accompanied Fadli included the Special Staff of the Minister of Culture for Protocol and Household Affairs Rachmanda Primayuda, Director of Cultural Facilities and Infrastructure Ferry Arlius, and Head of the Cultural Preservation Center for Region III of West Sumatra Nurmatias.