Letter from Jepara
Gevi Noviyanti
Photographer
based in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
In Jepara more than 100 years ago, Raden Ajeng Kartini (1879-1904) once lived alone and was restricted to values that prevented her from moving freely. But this situation was unable to muffle her voice. She persistently wrote a letter to share her reflection and thoughts as a woman amidst traditional and religious values with her friends throughout the country. Today, also in Jepara, santriwati or female students of pesantren Hasyim Asy’ari Bangsri-Joglo (Islamic Boarding School) also have relatively limited freedom. However, in that space, they can still devote their thoughts to choosing what they want to do and achieve in everyday life.
Along with portrait photos of the female students and the atmosphere of the Islamic boarding school, I chose the letter as a story medium to respond to the situation they are experiencing and the limited access to the means of communication they have. Letters become a medium for contemplation for these students; and from these letters, one can also recognize the progressive leadership style of the school’s caretakers: Nyai Hindun Anissa (b.1974) & Kyai Nurrudin Amin (b.1967). The inspirational story needs to be exposed to show the importance of instilling an awareness of equality and humanity in Islamic boarding schools from the perspective of female students.
Along with portrait photos of the female students and the atmosphere of the Islamic boarding school, I chose the letter as a story medium to respond to the situation they are experiencing and the limited access to the means of communication they have. Letters become a medium for contemplation for these students; and from these letters, one can also recognize the progressive leadership style of the school’s caretakers: Nyai Hindun Anissa (b.1974) & Kyai Nurrudin Amin (b.1967). The inspirational story needs to be exposed to show the importance of instilling an awareness of equality and humanity in Islamic boarding schools from the perspective of female students.
Portrait of Tasya. She has a chance to become a leader of Santri in 2021-2022. In 2023 she is studying at the Department of Islamic Religious Education to become a teacher of kindergarten at the University Islam Kudus.
Letter from Tasya. She said ".My leadership skills developed because of the upbringing of my parents. They demanded discipline, honesty, confidence, and fairness, and I've integrated these behaviors into my daily life at the boarding school. It's through these qualities that I eventually gained the trust of my peers and became the leader of the boarding school. Many people support me, especially my friends. Behind my successful leadership, there are many friends who always help. And Bunda Hindun, who constantly advises and supports me, helps to build my determination."
One day Santriwati (a female student of an Islamic boarding school) has a chance and permission from the leader of Pesantren to have fun in the fair night market.
Portrait of Zahra, Hidayah, and Izza in their bedroom. In the bedroom of Pesantren, there are 20-30 people who sleep inside the room depending on room size.
Letter from Hidayah, she tells about Nyai Hindun as her inspiration and motivation to study harder.
One day Santriwati has a chance and permission from the leader of Pesantren to have fun in the fair night market.
The rooftop has become a favorite place for Santriwati to hang out with friends and dry clothes.
Letter from Nafis, tells about her parents who give her the freedom to choose the education she wants.
Portrait of Nafis. She is a hafiz Quran (someone who has completely memorized the Quran). In 2023, she studying in the Department of Psychology at the University of Yogyakarta.
Letter from Maya. She said "I also want to become a teacher, to impart knowledge that's beneficial to people. It doesn't matter who you are, the most important thing is to teach sincerely. It will bring blessings to life."
Portrait of Maya. She has a dream to become a teacher. Right now she is studying Physics major at the University of Purwokerto
Preparation of Anjani when she will be performing as a choir group.
Anjani dresses up to become the Queen of Kalinyamat (b.1520), the leader of Jepara. She and her friends perform as a choir in costumes to present their performances for the opening ceremony of the Indonesia Women's Ulema Congress.
Letter from Affa. She said "There are many figures I admire, but mainly my dear parents, Bunda Hindun, Ayah Nurrudin, Ummik Aizah, and also you, Kak Gevi, of course. My parents are my first inspirational figures. They've always been patient in times of difficulty, facing problems together. From them, I've learned to be patient and optimistic in facing challenges. Bunda Hindun is another inspirational figure for me because she teaches that women have equal rights as men. "
Portrait of Affa. She has insecurity because of her illness, scoliosis. But she has hopes to become someone in the future like Bunda Hindun. This year she is studying at the University majoring in Islamic Education in Jepara.
Every day the Santriwati team up to cook a meal for themselves.
Private Story
Letter from Jepara
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