Women in Indonesia<\/p>\n
We all know what happened during the May riots: wild attacks
\non banks, supermarkets and shops, followed by a brutal assault on
\nwomen. It is not important whether these victims were Chinese-
\nIndonesians, Arab-Indonesians or foreign women. The fact remains
\nthat far more than 100 women were humiliated and tortured and the
\ngovernment did nothing at all to stop it.<\/p>\n
Non-governmental organizations have set up hotlines, medical
\ncenters and psychiatric help for the victims. Meanwhile, the
\ngovernment, which now claims to be reform-minded and human, has
\nyet to react with any apology or words of regret.<\/p>\n
The government under Soeharto changed its way of thinking from
\nBhinneka Tunggal Ika (unity in diversity) to a divide and rule
\nphilosophy. This was clearly a strategy to keep a certain group
\nin power and it worked for 32 years. It is amazing that the
\ncountry's students, who were educated and brought up under this
\nsystem, developed a different way of thinking and had the courage
\nto act upon it.<\/p>\n
It seems to be too optimistic to hope that our new government
\nwill have the same courage. The members of the House of
\nRepresentatives and the People's Consultative Assembly are
\nrunning moral risks: their career, their wealth, their names.
\nChanging your way of thinking takes a totally different mentality
\nand is an enormous risk. As a matter of fact, it could cost you
\nall the gains you have achieved in life.<\/p>\n
Indonesian women, however, are in a different position. It is
\nin our nature to take risks. We deliver our children while
\nrisking our lives. We raise our youngsters, offering our time and
\nfreedom. We feed them even if we have to share our own food.
\nWomen are the foundation of our nation and we should unite and
\nstrive for human rights for all women. We are afraid to take
\nrisks. We are already used to facing risks.<\/p>\n
Moreover, women should learn to fight and demand equal rights
\nin our society.<\/p>\n
We have the right to be protected. All women in Indonesia
\nshould be guaranteed that Pancasila is not only a philosophy of
\nthe rich, but a way of life for the people. Women of Indonesia,
\nclose ranks and support each other! We simply have to take action
\nto protect ourselves and our daughters.<\/p>\n
ROSINI NIMPOENO<\/p>\n
Sawangan, West Java<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/women-in-indonesia-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }