Sitti Syamsiah Hutapea, a member of the Golkar Faction in Singkawang’s Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD), believes that women’s contributions to Indonesia’s history have been sidelined. This has been the case as far back as the early 19th century, when several Indonesian women made crucial contributions to defend their homeland and nation. Sitti names Nyi Ageng Serang XIX, Christina Martha Tiahahu, Cut Nyak Dien, RA Kartini, Maria Walanda Maramis, Nyai Walidah Ahmad Dahlan, and others as examples.
Sitti argues that this state of affairs is natural given the patriarchal nature of Indonesian culture. Consequently, women’s extraordinary contributions are often ignored, including their participation in politics. Political issues concerning women, she argues, are also a result of political processes.
She notes that political parties, governments, legislative bodies, and election management bodies are dominated by men. As a result, their values, interests, aspirations, and priorities tend to dictate political agendas. Meanwhile, she notes, women have different values, interests, needs, and aspirations than men. These differences are crucial in ensuring their representation in political institutions, so they can bring democratic change.
Sitti also points out that women should not shy away from politics, and should be able to compete with men. It is important for women throughout Indonesia, especially in Singkawang, to support, motivate, and inspire one another.
Political parties (parpol) play a significant role in increasing and encouraging women’s participation in real-world politics. However, women must also strengthen themselves in some areas. First, women must have faith in themselves and strengthen their own desire to succeed, advance, and be elected. Second, they must have family support and approval.
On the other hand, women’s leadership positions in strategic positions in parliament are still lacking. The role of political parties in supporting this is necessary by providing equal opportunities for women and men. Sitti hopes for greater representation of women in the DPRD in the 2024 legislative elections.
