Dewi Sartika School: The First Girls School from Bandung

The school, which was originally called Sakola Istri, was founded by Raden Dewi Sartika, on January 16, 1904, at Paseban Kulon Pendopo, Bandung Regency.

The following year, 1905, Dewi Sartika built a school building in what is now known as Dewi Sartika Elementary and Middle School.

Quoted from a number of sources, at the time the school was founded it only had two rooms for studying.

There are twenty students, with three employees, namely Raden Dewi Sartika, Mrs. Purma, and Mrs. Uwit.

The curriculum given at the school led by Raden Dewi Sartika is adapted to the government's Second Class School curriculum (Tweede Klasse Inlandsche School), but is added with skills subjects, such as cooking, washing, ironing, batik, sewing, darning, crochet and embroidery, which has to do with household interests.

In addition, religious lessons, health, Malay and Dutch are also taught. These lessons are not only given in theory, but are also given in practice.

Until now, Dewi Sartika's elementary and junior high schools continue to carry out their teaching and learning process in the historic building.

When the Public Relations of Bandung City visited, Monday, November 21, 2022 there were dozens of Dewi Sartika elementary and junior high school students enthusiastically taking lessons in a cool room with high ceilings and wire ram windows.

There is one class that still maintains the same table and chairs as before. The class is also decorated with various photos that show the glory of the school in the past.

"This is a legend room, starting from the chair we are still maintaining the old one. We only renovated it a little bit, the rest is still the same," said Dewi Sartika Junior High School Principal, Sri Rostinah while showing the historic class.

Dewi Sartika Junior High School currently has 142 students consisting of 81 students and 63 students. While SD as many as 52 students.

Dewi Sartika School currently maintains special education for female students. Women's material is still being taught, such as sewing, cooking, and making craft products.

"Before extracurricular activities, now they are included as subjects. Even though it's only for one hour, yes, they are taught to sew, make crafts. Students also participate in these lessons," he said.

The main building in the form of classrooms with wire ram windows cannot be changed.

Dewi Sartika Elementary and Middle School are Cultural Conservation buildings that are protected by law and Bandung City Regional Regulation number 7 of 2018 concerning Cultural Conservation Management.

The name of the school has changed many times. Initially it was named Sakola Istri, then in 1910 it was changed to Sakola Kautamaan Istri.

In 1929 it was changed to Sakola Raden Dewi. In 1951 the school's name changed to the Lower Teacher's School, the Puteri Clever School (1961), the Puteri Clever Vocational School (1963), and now it is the Dewi Sartika Elementary and Middle School.

Sri hopes that the Dewi Sartika School will continue to exist forever.

"Hopefully this school will continue to progress, more students will receive attention from the government and other parties. This school is historic, so we must preserve it," he said. (rob)**

Head of the Bandung City Communication and Information Office

Yayan A. Brilyana