Deputy Head of MPR values ​​of women's leadership narratives need to be rebuilt

Jakarta – Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian National Assembly Lestari Moerdijat (Rerie) believes that the story of women’s leadership must be rebuilt. This is because the path of struggle in various fields, including the struggle for emancipation, education and the challenges faced by Indonesian women, has not yet been completed. “Every time it feels like we are still facing the same homework,” Rerie emphasized in her statement, Wednesday (22/10/2025). He conveyed this when he delivered the 252nd edition of the 12th Denpasar Discussion Forum discussion which carried the theme ‘Towards 100 Years of Kowani and the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations (UN)’. The discussion, moderated by the Special Staff of the Deputy Head of the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly, Eva Kusuma Sundari, also discussed women’s leadership for an equal world, and reflected on the role of the UN and the Indonesian Women’s Congress (Kowani) in eliminating gender gaps in all spheres of life. Scroll TO CONTINUE CONTENT According to Rerie, the Denpasar 12 discussion forum carried this theme to remind us all to see and reconstruct the narrative of women’s leadership. Rerie reminded that women’s leadership in Indonesia began during colonialism and then developed following the course of history, namely the declaration of Kowani in 1928. “It was the forerunner of several Indonesian women’s leadership movements and struggles,” said the member of the NasDem Party High Council. Meanwhile, Kowani General Chairman (Ketum), Nannie Hadi Tjahjanto, said that the major theme carried by the Denpasar 12 discussion forum was an opportunity for Kowani to reflect and introspect on the leadership of Indonesian women. According to Nannie, leadership is a struggle that must be realized in every sector in the administration of the state, society and the family. Leadership must be able to produce sustainable justice and reduce inequalities. “In the future, Indonesian women will not only be mothers, but must also be able to become mothers of the nation. In the future, Indonesian women must no longer be victims of sexual harassment or drug couriers,” said Nannie. UN Women Representative in RI Ulziisuren Jamsran said that as the UN reaches its 80th anniversary, the world is facing many problems, especially those facing women. These problems include those related to technology, poverty, the environment and society. According to Jamsran, to solve this, it must be solved through politics, culture and social justice that provide equal opportunities to women. “Women themselves must be able to embrace women’s communities,” said Jamsran. Similarly, Gadjah Mada University (UGM) History Lecturer Dr Mutiah Amini said that in almost 100 years PR has not changed in terms of women leadership. “It seems we are facing the same problems, including social problems,” said Dr Mutiah. Dr Mutiah reminded that this nation cannot inherit what women in Indonesia are currently facing. Meanwhile, Young Feminists from the Sarinah Fanda Puspitasari Institute added that Kowani previously had the courage to carry out ethical and practical politics for the nation. Now it must be returned to that position. Fanda invites all parties to embrace young people in Kowani and become the aspirations or interests of young women in Indonesia. “They will be a great resource to this nation,” Fanda said. Rita Serena Kolibonso, Commissioner of the Indonesian Prosecutor’s Commission, added that women’s struggle in Indonesia was full of tears and blood. Maternal mortality due to childbirth is still high. Rita reminded that this problem should be solved in the future. In addition, violence and persecution against women must no longer occur. Senior Journalist Saur Hutabarat concluded the discussion saying that it is necessary to look at Japan. The country has officially elected its first female Prime Minister (PM), Sanae Takaichi. In fact, four years ago Prof. Mikiko Eto published a book, ‘Women and Political Inequality in Japan’ which cited data from 2019. Where Japan ranks 164th out of 193 countries in terms of women’s representation in parliament. “Japan is a lesson that Indonesian women can have supreme leaders in the not too distant future if they mobilize all their energy,” said Saur. For information, Ketum Kowani Nannie Hadi Tjahjanto and the UN Women Representative in the Republic of Indonesia, Ulziisuren Jamsran, also gave speeches during the discussion. Speaking as speakers are UGM History Lecturer Dr Mutiah Amini (History Lecturer at Gadjah Mada University), young feminist Fanda Puspitasari, and Indonesian Prosecutor’s Commissioner Rita Serena Kolibonso. See also the video ‘”Find peace together – women take care of women”‘: (akd/ega)