Radio Taiwan International (Rti), the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office to Taipei, and Taiwan Foreigners Service and Care Association jointly held a festive Kartini Day and Eid al-Fitr celebration at the Taipei Main Station on Sunday. The celebration includes singing and dancing performances that pay tribute to Indonesian equal rights activist Raden Ayu Kartini.
Rti president Cheryl Lai (賴秀如）says the event is the first large-scale meet-and-greet Rti has held since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and she is especially thankful for Rti’s Indonesian Service listeners who have supported the radio for decades. Rti’s Indonesian Service has been broadcasting since 1957, providing Taiwan’s Indonesian communities with information and entertainment.
Lai has announced that Rti will be expanding its reach by launching a Malay-language Facebook page by the end of May and airing Malay-language programs starting on June 29th. With the addition of Malay, RTI will be broadcasting in a total of 20 languages. Rti will also hold meet-and-greet in Indonesia in June. "Please tell your families in Indonesia that we are coming," Lai says.
The National Human Rights Commission Chairperson Chen Chu (陳菊) also attended the celebration. Chen thanks the migrant workers, especially female workers, for their services and for alleviating Taiwan's labor shortages. "To me, you are all Kartini," Chen said. "I admire your hard work, endurance, and courage. Thank you for your service and contribution."
Honorary guests include Mrs. Mella Mutia Iqbal of the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office and Taiwan Foreigners Service and Care Association Chairperson Chou Lin-jie (周麟杰).
Rti’s Indonesian fan club held a meet-and-greet following the celebration, in which thousands of people participated throughout the day.