Kowani Holds Extraordinary Congress in Jakarta
The Board of Directors of the Indonesian Women’s Congress (Kowani) officially convened an Extraordinary Congress (KLB) today, Wednesday (3/6), at The Tribrata Building, Jakarta. This step was taken as a constitutional effort to restore organisational governance, which is currently facing a serious deadlock.
Kowani, which possesses deep historical roots dating back to the 1928 Youth Pledge, currently oversees more than 100 women’s organisations across the nation. As an organisation with consultative status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Kowani’s internal stability is crucial for the representation of Indonesian women on the international stage.
The Chairperson of Kowani, Ir. Anggraini Purnami, MM, emphasised that this Extraordinary Congress is mandated by Chapter V, Article 13, Paragraph 6 of the Articles of Association (AD) and Chapter VI, Article 16, Paragraph 8 of the Bylaws (ART). These regulations mandate the convening of an Extraordinary Congress if significant matters arise that threaten the organisation’s survival.
“Kowani is a large home for all Indonesian women. This Extraordinary Congress is a constitutional step to restructure governance and ensure this organisation returns to working for all Indonesian women,” Anggraini stated in her announcement.
The convening of the congress was triggered by internal dynamics deemed to have deviated from the established Articles of Association and Bylaws. A critical point involves the unilateral dismissal of 19 members of the Board of Directors by the General Chairperson, Nanny Hadi Tjahjanto. However, based on administrative clarification from the Indonesian Ministry of Law, the composition of these 19 members remains legally recognised, granting them the legitimacy to take steps to save the organisation.
Prior to deciding to hold the congress, the Board of Directors had attempted dialogue. The Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection (KPPPA) reportedly facilitated five mediation meetings. This effort was also supported by Kowani’s founding organisations, including Perempuan Taman Siswa, Wanita Katolik RI, and PP Aisyiyah.
However, these mediation efforts reached a deadlock due to the General Chairperson’s absence from all scheduled sessions. This ultimately prompted the management to take decisive action through the Extraordinary Congress to preserve the organisation’s dignity.
Through this momentum, Kowani is expected to recover swiftly and resume its function as a strategic partner to the government in advocating for public policy and driving the progress of women, both domestically and globally.