Kartini Behind the Satpol PP DKI Uniform: Karlina's Story of Breaking into the Masculine World

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The commemoration of Kartini Day every 21 April once again serves as a moment of reflection for Indonesian women, particularly those pursuing careers in fields still dominated by men. Although opportunities are increasingly open, gender stigma and stereotypes remain real challenges in the workplace. Amid the harsh stigma of fieldwork typically associated with men, Karlina (43) instead found her life’s calling there. A profession often viewed as one that can only be carried out by men. Initially, she worked as a non-permanent employee, then was appointed as a civil servant candidate in 2008. For more than two decades of service, Karlina has developed and proven herself, becoming an apparatus not merely a job, but a form of dedication. “Indeed, from the beginning, I wanted a job that could directly interact with the community. I’m quite an extrovert, so I enjoy being in the field,” said Karlina in an interview with Kompas.com on Tuesday (21/4/2026). Straightforwardly, Karlina recounted that her career began at the level closest to the community, namely serving in the sub-districts of South Jakarta. From there, she directly experienced the true dynamics of the field. During her duties, she personally felt how the role of Satpol PP is not only about enforcing rules, but also helping the community in various situations. She often became a place for residents to complain, from family problems to other emergency conditions. “Sometimes there are those who ask for help, residents are sick, families are fighting, even up to people wanting to commit suicide. We go down directly,” she said. Initially, she admitted to feeling pity seeing a young child joining in begging on a cart.