Perempuan Indonesia
“The freedom of women is inevitable; it is coming, but we cannot hasten it� Raden Adjeng Kartini
We’ve gotten the chance to ask several Indonesian women on how they view feminism in Indonesia
How do you feel being an Indonesian woman? What is your view on feminism in Indonesia? Is your view about feminism changes after moving to the UK? What is it that makes Indonesian women different?
“Being a woman in Indonesia, there are limits, there are expectations and unwritten rules that women have to obey and all of this is created by the society. But for me, being a woman in Indonesia means we are free to share our ideas, we are free to learn, to lead and Indonesian women should embrace and support each other not tear each other down as fellow women.� Asheila Amara, 23
“I feel like it is hard to be a woman in Indonesia. We are constantly undermined, the gender gap is bigger than in the U.K. My mom recently told me that they have decreased women’s seat in the senate house� Zalliya Ar rahmani, 19
“My perception of feminism in Indonesia has evolved dramatically ever since I moved to Singapore at 14. While I moved in pursuit of a more progressive environment, I realise now that the images and ideas I conjured in my head of progressiveness, and in turn feminism, were idealised and western-centric. Having lived in the UK, I now come to appreciate Indonesian feminism in its own right. Feminism in Indonesia may not announce itself loudly through celebrity advocacies or through rallies that shut down whole cities — it seeps into our lives in thoughtful, everyday moments.� Ayu Temenggung, 21
“Indonesian feminism presented itself to me when my father told my 8 year old self that I have the right to defend myself if anyone at school gives me trouble. It realises when my parents wholly supported my decision to move to Singapore for my education, as my older brothers did. It presented itself on a bigger scale when I saw that female representation in politics was the norm and not the exception. In that way, feminism in Indonesia should not be taken for granted as it is expected and ingrained. We still have a long way to go, but I am completely in awe at what we have achieved so far.� Ayu Temenggung, 21
“I have people told me that no matter where I went to uni, I’ll just end up as a housewife. But despite all of that, my mum said to me, “If he can do it, I think you (she) could do it too” Elvira Mowoka, 21
“Being an Indonesian woman is probably associated to be “ayu” since the dutch era. But being educated in an all girls school for 6 years taught me that you can be or have to be both. Graceful but bold ENOUGH to stand up for yourself. I believe feminism is not about getting special treatment because you’re a woman but it’s about gender equality. Show everyone that you can do it too and deserve the respect. But don’t take it as far as not needing a man.” Valerie Gabriela, 23
“Do not be uneasy; my betrothed will not cut my wings short; the fact that I can fly is just what has raised me so high in his eyes� Raden Adjeng Kartini
“We may have a long journey to go when it comes to obtaining equality, but having experienced bold female figures in the government, media and our own families, this notion of ‘I can do anything’ resonates within our culture and helps drive us at the heart of who we are today, both as a woman and an Indonesian.” Andrea Gozali, 24
“I think this is so much about education and to give awareness to society. I think in certain areas, I feel a bit uncomfortable if I am not wearing a hijab.� Bianda Rizal, 21
“I feel like after living in the UK for a year, I found a change in me. I found that I am better on vocalising my opinion more as a woman.� Sarah Devi Agung, 23
“I feel like wearing hijab has a calling, you can’t be pressured to wearing it. I have so many friends neglecting to practice Islam because they were forced into using their hijab. It should come naturally with your faith. And even though I am not wearing hijab, it doesn’t stop me from practising Islam.” Ajeng Runi Larasati, 21
“The gender equality law enforced by the government gives a big window for Indonesian women to work in business, politic and other work industry. But what makes us different is that we are Indonesian women with adat and eastern traditions which we ought to respect and follow. And this enriches us as Indonesian women.� Peggi Patrisia Pattipi, 53
“‘Go get an education as high as you can and be successful but remember that a woman’s place is at home.’ this is a sentence that is so common at least in my environment. I feel like there’s some kind of restrictions on being an Indonesian woman. It’s like we have to reach a certain standard to be ‘wife worthy’. I never believe in this way of thinking and never will. Leoni Valencia, 21
“Being an Indonesian woman in the 21st century is a clash between tradition and societal influence. There is a big part of my identity and the way I carry myself that is owed to my Indonesian roots. However, there is a lot of societal influence that has shaped my thinking. If there is a label I need to put on myself, I would consider myself a Conservative-Liberal“ Aryna Noerbayu Andi Djohar, 25
“I have coined this term when speaking about myself because there are certain things that I hold on to greatly that leans towards the conservative culture of Indonesians. These things include filial piety, my dressing and the way I speak. Our culture revolves a lot around respecting the elders, partaking in hierarchical ways of addressing each other and being private with the way one carries themselves in dressing up as a woman. However, being surrounded by social media, going to University in the West, I have also seen changes in myself. Particularly in the way I see and understand the world. This, though, does not take away my identity as an Indonesian woman no matter where I go. On the contrary, it fuels the way one sees and understand me while I, myself try to understand the world from the lens of my ancestors. It is a fluid process of learning to be comfortable with my Indonesian identity as I allow societal influences to fuse with culture and tradition that I have been raised with.� Aryna Noerbayu Andi Djohar, 25
“Indonesian women should have the ability, opportunity, and choice. The focus should be around gender equity with regards to needs that transcend cultural barriers.� Alicia Avianto, 22
“For me what’s important is gender equity — women should have the choice to make decision-based on what they believe in without the pressure from someone or the society, for example, if it makes someone happy to have children and be a housewife… honestly feel free and I think those decisions shouldn’t be pressured by let’s say her husband, her family or the society.” Alicia Avianto, 22
“We are so diverse, the tradition that my family has or yours could be different if I walk 200 meters to another village. And I guess what I am trying to say is to understand Indonesian women as a whole you have to respect their tradition in order to have a united voice about being an Indonesian woman. I know that it is not possible at all, but I feel like we still have a long way to make Indonesian women understand their freedom of choice and feminism ideology because we are still a developing country who still need to prioritise the development of healthcare, education and other factors. But we are growing as a nation, youth voice.. we are growing.� Shania Myandra Savira, 19
Shania’s photograph
“A few years ago, I was just vocalising my opinion and that is it, but now after moving to the UK to study I am able to look at this issue in a different perspective, looking at it from a different lens and understand it as a whole.� Shania Myandra Savira, 19
“Growing up in Indonesia, I came to learn that people have different expectations for women and men. When I was younger, I recall the times being frustrated when I was not allowed to do something or had to act a certain way ‘because I was a girl’. This was not something I found easy to accept, but back then I did not have the voice or courage to object ‘because I was a girl’. However, as I grew older, I got to know more Indonesian women who showed me that while such expectations still exist in our culture and society, they choose not to be limited by them. I also found the solace in works of fiction, in books, and films where girls and women could transcend such constrictions.” Hestia Maria Moningka, 25
“Like many other parts of the world, child marriage, sexism and violence against women remain huge issues to be dealt with in Indonesia. Although I have moved away and currently living abroad, I believe that feminism in Indonesia is a growing movement. Whilst there may be resistance against feminism movement, for instance from religious conservatives, I am hopeful that the fight for women’s right will continue, following the pioneering efforts of Ibu Kartini.� Hestia Maria Moningka, 25
“It is an everyday challenge for me to prove that I am not just a figure who gets their nails done and working prettily. I am capable to get my hands dirty and throw myself in a mud.� Clarissa Nilistiani, 20
“I think being half Indonesian is special, even though I don’t go home often. And I enjoy my time every time I go back to Indonesia, but I feel like growing up as a woman in Indonesia-- you are different, you distinguish just because you are a ‘woman’.” Rani Nicole Herusmanto, 20
“To me, being an Indonesian woman means being subjected to double standards. It means being expected to do things that I don’t necessarily want, such as having kids, getting married, and/or being a housewife. I acknowledge that we have come a long way from when we were not allowed to pursue formal higher education, which was as recent as in the early 20th century. However, I believe that we still have a long way to go.” Husyati Amaliah, 24
“Back home I definitely I pay attention to what I am wearing and I feel like a lot of women my age has the same thinking too. I am conscious of what I am wearing in different occasion and places when I’ll be going and especially who I am with.” Bella Savio, 19
Dedication
Thank you for everyone who is willing to be in this book and for speaking to me about your personal view on being an Indonesian woman. I dedicate this book to my mum and dad who taught me feminism ideology without using the word ‘feminism’, I also dedicate this book to my sister and my roommate (Ayu) who inspired me to zwrite about this topic from our casual conversation about feminism in Indonesia. Thank you Albina, Aryna, Clarissa, Sara, Nhufi & Uchi – who over the years taught me strength through their experiences. Last but not least, I am deeply thankful His blessings.
Jeann Ardhita Kembangkhana Student Number: 13398396 This photo book is with Literature Review, Islam & Eastern Traditions; & how this affects feminism in Indonesia