Dewi Sartika was born on December 4th, 1884 in Cicalengka, Bandung. Her father named Raden Somanagara was a freedom fighter at that time. While her mother was Nyi Raden Rajapermas. Dewi Sartika gained the knowledge about the Sundanese culture of her uncle. She was also knowledgeable of Western culture that she got from a lady of Dutch Resident Assistant.
As a teenager, Dewi Sartika was back to Bandung and stayed with her mother. She was more determined to reach her goal, which was to establish a school that aims to promote women’s education.After a very long struggle, she finally managed to establish a school that is devoted to women. Then, on January 16, 1904, after consultation with the Regent R.A.A Martanagara, for the first time, she managed to open a school.The school was given the name of Sakola Istri or Sekolah Perempuan. Sakola Istri was the first school in the Dutch East Indies, it was originally only had 20 students.Sakola Istri was located in Bandung district hall, she was helped by two cousins, Ny. Poerwa and Nyi. Oewid.
In September 1929, when Sakola Kautamaan Istri was 25 years, the school became the Sakola Raden Dewi. As for her dedication in this field, she was awarded by the Indian – Dutch government.Dewi Sartika died on September 11th, 1947 in Tasikmalaya. She was buried in the funeral Cigagadon Rahayu Village District of Cincem. Finally, after 3 years his tomb was moved to a cemetery complex Regent of Bandung at Karang Anyar Street, Bandung regency.Struggle as well as her dedication to the nation of Indonesia, made her an honorary degree, and were given on December 1st 1966 as the National Independence Hero.
