Boosting Indonesia's Competitiveness: Deputy Speaker of Parliament Calls for Greater Female Participation in STEM Sectors
Lestari Moerdijat, Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) of the Republic of Indonesia, has emphasised the critical importance of increasing women’s participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). She views this as a strategic step to strengthen Indonesia’s competitiveness and innovation capacity in the future.
However, data reveals persistent gender disparities in STEM, both in education and the workforce. STEM sectors form the primary foundation for knowledge-based economic development and digital transformation.
According to 2024 data from the International Labour Organization (ILO), women represent only approximately 35% of STEM graduates in Indonesia. Yet, merely 8% of women actually work in STEM sectors. This indicates that most women with STEM education do not progress into scientific and technological careers.
“This data demonstrates that the core issue is not women’s academic ability. Many women achieve excellent results in science and mathematics, yet they continue to face social barriers and gender stereotypes that limit their participation,” Moerdijat stated in a statement on Monday, 9 March 2026.
This member of Commission X of the People’s Representative Council (DPR) also revealed that such barriers frequently emerge from early childhood, including through social expectations that shape girls’ confidence in science and technology.
Unknowingly, Moerdijat noted, this situation causes many women to view STEM as an unrealistic career path for themselves. Meanwhile, demand for technology-based workers continues to grow alongside digital economic and artificial intelligence developments.
Recognising this situation, Moerdijat emphasised the importance of expanding women’s participation in STEM. This would enable Indonesia to possess sufficient human resources to meet global changes.
“Women’s equality in STEM is not merely a social justice issue. This is a matter of national strategic interest. If half the nation’s intellectual potential is not given equal space to develop, we lose a tremendous opportunity to strengthen innovation and national competitiveness,” she asserted.
This member of the Nasdem Party’s highest assembly further urged the education system and human resources development policies to give greater attention to strengthening women’s participation in science and technology.
She emphasised that schools and universities must create inclusive learning environments, providing space for women to actively participate in research, scientific discussion, and academic leadership.
According to her, developing an inclusive educational ecosystem will create broader opportunities for young women to contribute to innovation, technology, and science.
“By opening wider access for women in STEM, Indonesia not only achieves gender justice, but also strengthens the foundation of human resource development that is innovative and competitive,” she concluded.