Koja – This 21st April 2026, we celebrate Kartini Day to honor the bravery of Indonesian women. But did you know that courage comes in many forms? While Ibu Kartini fought with her pen and ideas, a young girl from Maluku named Martha Christina Tiahahu fought on the battlefield with a spear in her hand.
Martha was only 17 years old when she joined the war against colonial forces. She was born on January 4, 1800 in Abubu, a village on Nusalaut Island, which is part of the Maluku Islands (the Moluccas). At an age where most teenagers were staying at home, Martha was on the front lines, side-by-side with her father.
There is one legendary moment that every student should know. During a fierce battle, her troops ran out of ammunition. Did she surrender? Absolutely not.
Martha famously grabbed stones and rocks, throwing them at the enemy while shouting “Jangan mundur! Ambil batu, ambil apa saja! Tanah ini milik kita!” to encourage her soldiers. She proved that even when you have nothing left, your spirit is your greatest weapon.
Following in Martha’s Footsteps: Lessons for Today’s Youth
- Fearless Youth: Martha proves that being “just a student” or “just a teenager” doesn’t mean you can’t be a leader. You can lead in your class, in OSIS, or in your scout troop (Pramuka).
- Support Your Family: She was incredibly loyal to her father and her people. She showed us that standing up for the people we love is the highest form of honor.
- Unstoppable Resilience: Even when she was captured, she refused to give up her principles. She remained a rebel until her very last breath.
Whether you are fighting for your education like Kartini or standing up against bullying and injustice like Martha, you are a hero in your own way.
“You don’t need a sword to be a warrior; you just need a heart that refuses to give up.”
Martha fought with stones. In our school life today, what ‘enemy’ (like bullying or laziness) do you want to fight against? Let’s share!
Writer: Lidiawati
Editor: Yazid Mahendra
