When discussing Muhammadiyah’s press tradition, the public often recognizes Suara Muhammadiyah as one of the oldest media outlets in Indonesia. Yet within the women’s movement, ‘Aisyiyah also has a publication of no less historical significance: Suara ‘Aisyiyah. Remarkably, this women’s press has endured across generations and continues to be published monthly as it approaches its centennial milestone.
It was first published in October 1926. Its pioneer was Siti Juhainah, who served as the first Editor-in-Chief, alongside colleagues such as Siti Badilah and Siti Jilalah. Several other figures also played crucial roles in the publication’s early history, including Siti Asmanah, Siti Wakirah, Siti Hajinah, Siti Wadhiyah, and Siti Bariyah.
Editor-in-Chief of Suara ‘Aisyiyah, Hajar Nur Setyowati, explained that despite its nearly century-long consistency, the magazine did experience periods of suspension under certain circumstances, notably during the Japanese occupation of Indonesia.
“To continue publishing until today requires extraordinary energy. Funding is important, but it alone is not enough,” she said when contacted on Saturday (07/02).
According to Hajar, challenges will always exist. However, the spirit of struggle, Islamic values, and the conviction that literacy is an integral part of women’s dakwah, struggle, and righteous deeds have empowered Suara ‘Aisyiyah to persist in serving the ummah.
“Literacy is part of women’s righteous deeds. That spirit is what drives Suara ‘Aisyiyah to keep striving to remain in publication,” she emphasized.
Progressive Spirit as the Spark of Its Birth
The founders of Suara ‘Aisyiyah believed that the publication could endure for hundreds of years. This belief stemmed from the awareness that Suara ‘Aisyiyah was born as a mandate of dakwah that must continue to be disseminated. Through this medium, ‘Aisyiyah expanded its mission via literacy and intellectual discourse.
“At that time, very few women had access to education, reading and writing skills, or platforms to express ideas. Access to knowledge for women was extremely limited, making Suara ‘Aisyiyah an alternative source of literacy for women,” Hajar explained.
She added that in the early days, many prevailing views placed women in unequal positions. The presence of the magazine served as a response to these conditions.
“Another role was promoting Progressive Islam (Islam Berkemajuan). At that time, doctrines still positioned women merely as konco wingking–secondary companions behind men. Yet from the beginning, Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah held the view that women, as individuals, can perform righteous deeds and attain honor before Allah through their actions,” she elaborated.
In addition, Suara ‘Aisyiyah functioned as a medium of organizational communication. During the rapid expansion of ‘Aisyiyah, there was a strong need for a platform to disseminate the organization’s ideas, thoughts, and movements to its members.
“After all, Suara ‘Aisyiyah was born from an organization committed to realizing a civil society. These four roles-literacy, dakwah, the promotion of Progressive Islam, and organizational communication–have remained relevant until today,” she said.
Suara ‘Aisyiyah amid Changing Times
Times continue to change, yet Suara ‘Aisyiyah remains present and adaptive. Today, it is not only published as a print magazine, but is also accessible through its website, social media platforms, and e-magazine editions.
“Beyond utilizing social media, we continue to raise relevant and current issues. Timeliness remains an important value,” Hajar noted. She also mentioned that Suara ‘Aisyiyah actively involves younger generations in its editorial work.
Looking ahead, Suara ‘Aisyiyah is committed to nurturing a community of young writers to ensure that the tradition of literacy continues amid the overwhelming flow of digital information.
“We want young people to keep reading, writing, and sustaining literacy. This is not only about regenerating Suara ‘Aisyiyah, but also about preserving the culture of literacy itself,” she added.
In relation to National Press Day, commemorated on February 9, Hajar expressed hope that the press would continue to serve as a vital force for social movements and change.
“Press Day also speaks to national sovereignty. Young journalists must be able to take strategic roles, positioning the press as the fourth pillar of democracy, while strengthening social transformation so that this nation becomes increasingly progressive and sovereign,” Hajar concluded. (janu)
