Kartini Day: Puan: Women as Active Subjects Shaping Indonesia's Journey

House of Representatives (DPR RI) Chairwoman Puan Maharani spoke about the role of women during the commemoration of Kartini Day in 2026. Puan emphasised that women play a crucial role in determining the course of the Indonesian nation.

“Indonesian women no longer need to prove their capabilities. The question today is no longer ‘whether’, but ‘how far’ and ‘with what kind of system’,” said Puan in a written statement on Tuesday (21/4/2026).

“This is where the momentum of Kartini Day becomes relevant,” she continued.

On this occasion of Kartini Day, commemorated every 21 April, Puan invited the public to reflect on the struggles of the nation’s female figures.

“Through the celebration of Kartini Day, we remember the struggles of the great women in Indonesia’s history, who have long been convinced that women are an inseparable part of the effort to advance the nation,” stated Puan.

“On Kartini Day, we reaffirm that women are not objects, but active subjects who help shape the story of the Republic of Indonesia’s journey,” she added.

Puan called on all parties to reaffirm the role of women in the nation’s and country’s progress.

According to Puan, including women in the development process is not merely affirmative policy.

“Including women is an awareness of respect for human dignity and the right choice to strengthen the nation’s own power,” said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

Furthermore, Puan touched on women who have needs and life experiences different from men.

“The unique life experiences of women have positioned us as synonymous with the term ‘Nurturing Life’. However, we must not reduce the meaning of ‘nurturing’ to merely domestic issues that seem unrelated to national progress,” explained Puan.

In the context of women nurturing Indonesian life, Puan stated that the contributions and leadership of Indonesian women in various fields are no longer in doubt.

“What we need to do now is to ensure together that the uniqueness of women’s life experiences continues to be present in various decision-making processes that will determine positive changes in the nation’s progress,” clarified Puan.

Puan assessed that women must not only sit in decision-making rooms. Puan emphasised that women must also help design those rooms themselves.

“Women must help design the decision-making rooms to ensure that in Indonesia’s development, the perspectives of women, who make up about half of Indonesia’s population, are considered,” explained Puan.

Puan then mentioned the past struggles of Raden Ajeng (RA) Kartini. Thanks to RA Kartini’s struggles, Puan believes that many women today are bringing about change.

“Kartini did not wait for the system to be perfect before starting to write. She wrote, and the system changed,” revealed the first woman to serve as Chairwoman of the DPR RI.

“Indonesian women today are not waiting. They are already leading, nurturing, and changing,” she continued.

Puan stated that women must ensure that in Indonesia’s development, no one is left behind.

“That when we advance, we advance together. That when we fly, we fly together,” said Puan.

“Because a nation that wants to fly high needs both its wings, namely women and men, to work fully,” she added.

Puan views that as long as one wing is not given space to fully spread, it will never be known how high Indonesia can truly fly.

Therefore, Puan reminded that women can affirm that they are capable of nurturing with full strength. In this way, life can move forward.

“When women lead with full knowledge and sensitivity, change becomes inevitable, and Indonesia will fly as high as possible,” said Puan.

“Happy Kartini Day 2026 to all the great Indonesian women. Let us fly high to bring Indonesia even further ahead,” she concluded.