This paper examines the life and legacy of Thung Sin Nio, a prominent doctor and women's rights activist. Born into an elite Peranakan Chinese family in Batavia, Thung championed women’s education and rights while navigating the complexities of gender, ethnicity, and colonial rule. As a physician, economist, and politician, her activism from the 1920s to 1960s bridged diverse cultural communities and challenged patriarchal norms. 

By analysing her speeches, writings, and organisational roles as well as how they were reported on in periodicals, this study highlights how Thung was held up as an exemplary intellectual woman by male journalists. The paper assesses the extent to which this reporting, while celebratory, also elides some of the complexities of her work. Thung's efforts laid the groundwork for future women’s movements, offering insights into the intersections of identity, activism, and colonial history in shaping Indonesia’s path to inclusivity.