DPR Calls on Women to Strengthen Their Role as Decision-Makers
Indonesian House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani has described the Kaukus Perempuan Parlemen Republik Indonesia (KPPRI) as occupying a unique and strategic position in strengthening the role of women in the realm of public policy. According to her, KPPRI can serve as a bridge between parliament and government, between parliament and civil society, and between Indonesia and the international community.
‘The network present today, including representatives from embassies, international organisations, UN Women, women’s organisations, and academics, is a great asset that we must manage seriously and responsibly,’ Puan said at a discussion forum titled Women in Parliament: From Representation to Policy Transformation, hosted by KPPRI at the Indonesian House of Representatives Building, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday, 21 May 2026.
The PDI-P politician said policy transformation cannot be undertaken by parliament alone, but requires an ecosystem capable of linking regulation with real-world conditions in society. ‘An ecosystem that links regulation with advocacy, that connects legislation with the realities on the ground, that connects the voices of women at the grassroots with the policies born in Senayan,’ she stated.
Puan also highlighted the global dynamics that continue to evolve, from geopolitical tensions, climate crisis, to the increasingly complex challenges of human security. In her view, women’s involvement in peace and security issues is no longer a choice, but a necessity.
‘Women’s involvement in a global context reflects how seriously we place women as decision-makers, not merely as recipients of impact,’ she said.
Puan urged all female DPR members to build a commitment that does not stop at words but is translated into concrete and measurable policies. ‘A commitment that is linked to real policies. A commitment integrated into the state system. A commitment that is measurable and accountable.’
Puan likened nation-building to a process that requires the roles of men and women to be balanced so that Indonesia can develop optimally. ‘A nation that wants to soar high needs both of its wings to work fully. And as long as one wing is not given space to unfold fully, we will never know how high Indonesia can really fly,’ she said.
Therefore, Puan invited all the women present at the forum to continue strengthening their role in shaping national development policy. ‘Let us be clear together: when women help design policy, Indonesia will not only advance but will advance justly, inclusively, and coherently,’ she stated. ‘May there emerge commitments here that transform.’
On the same occasion, KPPRI Secretary-General Sarifah Ainun Jariyah stated that KPPRI will strengthen its advocacy agenda and cross-sector collaboration to support women’s empowerment and child protection. This will be achieved through national consolidation and cooperation with non-governmental organisations ( NGOs ) and international partners.
Meanwhile, KPPRI Forum Organising Committee Chair Amelia Anggraini emphasised that women need to take a larger role in public policy-making processes, especially amid global challenges such as economic uncertainty, digital transformation, social change, and issues of protecting women and children. She said that women’s perspectives are important so that policies produced are more inclusive and responsive to the needs of society.
‘KPPRI is committed to continuing to be a shared space for women parliamentarians across factions and backgrounds in advocating issues of women, children, families, equal opportunity, and inclusive democracy,’ she said.
The forum was organised by KPPRI to strengthen the role and participation of women in political activity, particularly regarding female representation in parliament as one of the important indicators of democratic quality.
In addition to interactive dialogue, the forum also featured a cultural performance Wastra Nusantara. KPPRI also declared the commitment points agreed upon at the forum.