Kartini Day 2026, Puan: Indonesia Cannot Soar High with Just One Wing

DPR RI Chairwoman Puan Maharani has stressed that Indonesia cannot achieve optimal progress without equal involvement between women and men. This message was delivered by Puan during Kartini Day commemorations on Tuesday (21/4/2026), emphasising that women are one of the important “wings” in the nation’s journey. “When we advance, we advance together. When we fly, we fly together. A nation that wants to soar high needs both its wings, namely women and men,” she stated in a written remarks received by Kompas.com. Puan assessed that women today are no longer merely complements or objects of development, but active subjects who play a role in determining the nation’s direction. According to her, the current issues are no longer about women’s capabilities, but how far the system provides space for them to contribute. “The question today is no longer ‘whether’, but ‘how far’ and ‘with what kind of system’ (women can play a role). This is where the momentum of Kartini Day becomes relevant,” said Puan. “Women’s perspectives, which encompass around half of Indonesia’s population, must be part of development,” she explained. The politician from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) emphasised that women have different life experiences from men, so their perspectives are important in public policy. Puan noted that women’s contributions in various fields have already been proven, so what is needed now is to ensure those experiences are present in the decision-making process. The first woman to serve as DPR RI Chairwoman also reminded that the meaning of “caring” should not be narrowed only to the domestic realm. “Do not let the meaning of ‘caring’ be reduced to domestic issues alone, as if it is not related to national progress,” said Puan. “Including women is an awareness of respecting human dignity and honour, and the right choice to strengthen the power of the Indonesian nation itself,” Puan asserted firmly. On the occasion of Kartini Day 2026, Puan invited the public to reflect on the struggles of national female figures, including Raden Ajeng Kartini.