In Island Southeast Asia, the second half of the 19th century saw the development of a native elite who were beneficiaries of colonial education and, therefore, conversant in the languages of the colonial masters - Spanish and Dutch. Yet this native elite was by no means estranged from the indigenous cultural milieu and traditions. Writings from within the loci of colonial power, Jose Rizal of the Philippines and Raden Ajeng Kartini of Indonesia showed great concern for the upliftment of the status of indigenous women. Both sought their emancipation and empowerment through modern education