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| Participants are enthusiatic listening to the explanation from the Indonesian women politicians |
National Symposium of young women politicians at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), Saturday (11/19) took place warmly. Three women politicians from different parties revealed their complaints fighting for their positions among the political dominance of patriarchal culture. They were Andi Nurpati (Partai Demokrat), Wa Ode Nurhayati (Partai Amanat Nasional) and Sri Rahayu (PDI-Perjuangan).
Event held by the Institute of Studies and Empowerment for Women and Children (LP3A) UMM was attended by no less than 200 participants consisting of politicians, women activists, and academicians. The symposium was opened by the UMM Rector, Muhadjir Effendy.
Rector encouraged LP3A to be the first destination for women activists in discussing and fighting for the rights of women and children. Students are also expected to engage in it in order to give a birth for future activists and women politicians who have a background of experience in fighting for women's rights.
"The involvement of students in LP3A and other activities will provide experience and strengthen the determination in fighting skill, especially for female students who want to plunge into politics," said Muhadjir. Thus, the Rector hoped LP3A would be able to put a higher "antenna" so that the signal can be reached as far as possible.
In the middle of the event, LP3A showed manuscript of Politician, Academician, and Women Activist Network Declaration to the speakers and representatives of the participants. The declaration was welcomed by the three speakers. There were names who also signed on it: Chief of LP3A UMM, Trisakti Handayani; Regional Leadership of Aisyiyah Malang, Ir. Rahayu Relawati, MM; PSW of Ma Chung University, Ang Swat Ling Lindawati Swat, M. Com, Ph.D; and Bhayangkari of Malang, Wiwin Didik Arif.
The declaration contained three points that would be fought for by the network; raising the potential of women, expanding the network, and strengthening its political influence. "We will follow up the declaration to strengthen the capacity of women in Indonesia," said Trisakti.
Meanwhile, Andi Nurpati exposed Political Act which gives a minimum quota of 30% for women politicians does not have a clear basis. It was also admitted by Rahayu where her party never disputes the quota percentage. For her, the important thing is that women are given important positions in the stewardship of the party led by Megawati Sukarnoputri.
Andi predicted, the competition of women politicians not only dealing with men, but also with women themselves. Currently, women politicians seem difficult to come up, except when they face a particular issue. "The portion of 30% of women in DPR is still unseen. Where was their voice when there was a policy decision?" she questioned.
As a women politician, Andi realized that she have to devote her time a lot. Therefore, men should have thanked the quality of women politicians’ role because if women are strong, their families are also strong. "Politics has no work hours," he said.
On the other hand, Wa Ode revealed her experience of being blamed when she became critical in DPR. There were many people who criticized her, but she felt no need to resign since the support also was not small. She said that her bitter experience of the past has made her be more sensitive to the fate of people she was fighting for.
In addition, being upset caused by the pressure, Wa Ode obtained spirit from the reform leader, Amien Rais who told her to keep struggling. "Mr. Amien said, either he of Mr. Hatta would not protect. I must strive for my own deeds. If I believe that is true for people, then I should go on fighting," said Wa Ode quoted the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of PAN, Amien Rais.
Wa Ode advised young women not to be afraid to go into politics. Conversely, women’s existence might be build through politics. "My commitment is to light the torch for the women generation of Indonesia to be attracted to enter the world of politics. Of course, participating in politics requires feeling at peace with yourselves and also requires to leave the ego in order to fight for the interests of the people," said the politician from Southeast Sulawesi.
On the other hand, according to Yayuk, Sri Rahayu’s familiar nick name, politics must be viewed from two indicators, namely physic and substance. Physical indicator showed by the visible role or presence in policy making. "While the substance is the role of individuals in society whether the policy really represents the interests of the people or not," said the politician from Malang.
Yayuk regretted, even from the physical side only, the presence of men politicians is smaller than women politicians. However, when it comes to matters relating to their interests, men suddenly confront. "That is why improvement should have been not only on the mechanism, but also on the person," he concluded. (bib/nas/t_alf)
