Komnas: Government needs leaders committed to eradicating discrimination

The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) believes that development requires leaders who understand gender-based power relations and are committed to eliminating discrimination in government administration.

“The case in Purwakarta serves as a reminder that gender-just development cannot be supported by regulations alone. Development requires leaders who understand gender-based power relations, are capable of identifying the impact of policies on women and vulnerable groups, and are committed to eliminating discrimination in the administration of government,” said Komnas Perempuan member Daden Sukendar in Jakarta on Tuesday.

This statement was made in response to the controversy surrounding the song “Lalaki Langit, Lalanang Bejat” by the Regent of Purwakarta.

Komnas Perempuan believes that this controversy should serve as a momentum to strengthen the institutionalisation of gender mainstreaming on a national scale.

According to Sukendar, gender perspectives need to be systematically integrated into recruitment, regeneration, education, training, job promotions, and the performance evaluation of public officials.

“Leadership standards should not be measured solely by administrative and technocratic abilities, but must also encompass an understanding of human rights, gender equality, the protection of women, and the principle of non-discrimination,” said Daden Sukendar.

The commission also urged the government to strengthen the implementation of Presidential Instruction Number 9 of 2000 by making the gender perspective one of the leadership competency standards for all public officials.

Furthermore, the General Elections Commission (KPU), the General Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu), and political parties are requested to develop briefing mechanisms for public official candidates regarding gender equality, human rights, and the protection of women’s rights.

“All public officials must use respect for the dignity of women, the principle of equality, and non-discrimination as the foundation for every public statement as well as the formulation and implementation of policy,” concluded Daden Sukendar.