The end of a nineteeth century witnessed paradox among the Chinese in colonial Java. On one hand, they were prospering economically, but were nonetheless held in contempt b the Dutch, encountered legal discrimination and faced challenges if they wanted to educate their childern in European schools. Their marginal position motivated them do their utmost to become "civilized subject", on a par with Europeans, but they were also inspired to reinvent their Chinese identity. This contribution will highlight role olayed by "enlightened" Chinese, the kaoem moeda bangsa Tjina. Central to this movement were the Chinese girl know to the public as bangsawan prampoewan (the noblewomen) who wrote letters the newspaper and creating a gendered public sphere. They also perfomed western classical music in public. Considering the inspirational impact of bangsawan prampoewan's enlightning achievements on non-Chinese women, it is appropriate to include them into the narrative of the history of the nation;s women;s movements.