Bandung – 21 April 2026. In order to strengthen the bonds of fellowship while commemorating the fighting spirit of Indonesia's women heroes on Kartini Day, the Women's Army Corps (KOWAD) held a Halal Bihalal 1447 H event and the Kartini Day Commemoration FY 2026.

The General Director of Kodiklatad, Brigadier General TNI Saiful Rizal, S.Sos., attended in person to provide strategic direction on the importance of human resources in the military environment. On that occasion, he expressed sincere appreciation and thanks to the Commander of Pusdikkowad, Colonel CKU (K) Fitri Anggraeny, S.E., M.M., for her role and support, as well as to Vice Rector III Dr. Nurhaeni Sikki, S.A.P., M.A.P. for taking the time to attend as a speaker. With the theme “Moving Toward Equality in Women's Empowerment and Local Business Transformation,” the event served as a platform for togetherness to strengthen fellowship and eliminate unhealthy prejudices among women soldiers.

“Today is a truly extraordinary Halal Bihalal and Kartini Day activity. My deepest gratitude goes to Vice Rector III Dr. Nurhaeni Sikki, S.A.P., M.A.P., for taking time amid her busy schedule to attend on this special day for her. All the women soldiers gathered at this event because this activity can eliminate unhealthy prejudices and serve as a platform for togetherness,” said Brigadier General TNI Saiful Rizal, S.Sos.

In his direction, Brigadier General TNI Saiful Rizal emphasized the principle of “Graceful in Appearance, Resilient in Ability,” affirming that a woman's gentleness and a soldier's firmness are one unified force. He used the jasmine flower symbol as the “nation's fence,” symbolizing integrity and the strength to protect national doctrine and sovereignty. Amid the era of global contamination, soldiers were reminded to be wary of deviant behavior viruses such as digital hedonism, moral disruption, post-truth, and radicalism that can damage personal branding and honor.

“Do not trade your honor for fleeting false pleasures.” As a solution, he provided five main guidelines, including maintaining one's intention for God, making integrity an everyday garment or the “soul kebaya,” being wise in technology use, making seniors role models, and continuously improving technical competence for global assignments.” He said.

Dr. Nurhaeni Sikki, S.A.P., M.A.P., affirmed that the history of the formation of KOWAD, officially established in December 1960, became an important reflection in this event. Although they have the distinctive ability to play a dual role as housewives and soldiers with high resilience, KOWAD career development is still recognized to face challenges such as suboptimal human resource management. Therefore, the modern Kartini figure within KOWAD is expected to grow into a person who is spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally intelligent, while firmly upholding etiquette in accordance with military procedures. Through this activity, Kodiklatad remains committed to being the “kitchen” of character formation for women soldiers so they remain morally clean and grow in benefit to the nation.

The women's empowerment aspect was strengthened by the material presentation from Dr. Nurhaeni Sikki, who discussed gender equality as an equal partnership between men and women in actualizing themselves according to their respective natures. She highlighted the importance of strengthening mental and emotional resilience as the key to achieving sustainable equality in the digital era. A real example of local business transformation was also presented through the role of women as the main drivers of women farmer groups who process gedong gincu mangoes into products of high economic value. With creative touches and packaging precision, women are able to turn previously worthless fruit into financially independent lifestyle products.

”Twenty years is not an easy time. Stepping out of the military environment is not an attempt to seek freedom from a strict routine, but rather a transformation of broader service. When the farewell words are spoken, it is not relief at being freed from duty that is felt, but rather a great hope that the doctoral degree attained can become a lamp of benefit for the wider community in the new environment. The knowledge and experience forged during time in KOWAD will never fade just because of moving to a civilian environment. Education in KOWAD has formed a solid foundation of character, so that when she decided to shift course and become a lecturer in the civilian environment, those values remained firmly attached. The academic world is merely a new stage, but the instruments used remain the same: high discipline, absolute responsibility, and boundless hard work”. She said.

Anggi Kurniani Putri – Public Relations, Protocol, and Media Bureau