Replacement for Sri Redjeki must be woman<\/p>\n
Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Women activists urged the Golkar party on Wednesday to give
\nthe seat at the House of Representatives left vacant by Sri
\nRedjeki Soemaryoto, the incumbent state minister of woman's
\nempowerment, to a woman candidate to ensure adequate
\nrepresentation at the House.<\/p>\n
The Indonesian Women's Political Caucus (KPPI) and the Central
\nElectoral Reform (CETRO) made the statement in response to the
\nrecent decision by Golkar's Lampung chapter to propose its
\nchairman, Henri Utama, to replace Sri Redjeki.<\/p>\n
Sri Redjeki left her post at the House after she was appointed
\nas state minister of women's empowerment in President Megawati
\nSoekarnoputri's Cabinet.<\/p>\n
Prior to her appointment, the caucus said, Sri Redjeki had
\nmade an agreement with Rinie Amaluddin, a woman legislative
\ncouncil member from Lampung to replace her.<\/p>\n
\"We regret the decision which does not take into account
\nwomens' interests. As a majority which is always marginalized in
\nthe political process, women have the right to be adequately
\nrepresented in the legislative body,\" Miranti Abidin, the caucus'
\nchairwoman, told a media briefing on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
\"We demand that Golkar's Lampung chapter revoke its decision
\nand give the right to a woman candidate,\" Miranti said.<\/p>\n
Women legislators currently account for only 9 percent of the
\n455 legislators. To ensure women's political rights, women
\nactivists have been struggling to increase the quota to 20
\npercent in the legislative body.<\/p>\n
Smita Notosusanto, the executive director of CETRO, said that
\nevery outgoing woman legislator should be replaced by a woman to
\nensure their representation.<\/p>\n
\"We don't ask for shares. This is our right. We are just
\nasking for our right. It should be considered from an unbiased
\nperspective. For women, quality is not enough to make our voice
\nheard,\" Smita said.<\/p>\n
The activists asserted that Rini Amaluddin was the ideal
\ncandidate to replace Sri Redjeki because she comes from the same
\nprovince, is a woman, and has the makings of being a quality
\nlegislator.<\/p>\n
They also urged Sri Redjeki in her capacity as women's
\nempowerment minister to help address the issue as it deals with
\nthe improvement of women's welfare in the country.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Juniwati M. Sofwan, head of the women's empowerment
\ndivision in Golkar party, said that the issue of women's
\nrepresentation had faced a setback.<\/p>\n
\"Despite our demand that justice be upheld, women's issues are
\nsill neglected. This is hypocrisy,\" Juniwati said.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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