Kowani Reaffirms Organisational Integrity Amidst Unauthorised Extraordinary Congress Claims
The Indonesian Women’s Congress (Kowani) has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the dignity and unity of the organisation amidst growing internal dynamics. Kowani officially stated that the activities claimed to be an Extraordinary Congress (KLB), scheduled for 3 June 2026, at The Tribrata Building, Jakarta, are invalid as they violate the organisation’s Articles of Association and Bylaws (AD/ART).
Following an organisational review, the forum was deemed to contain fundamental procedural flaws. These include invalid convening authority, improper participant notification mechanisms, and a failure to meet the required quorum according to established rules. Consequently, Kowani asserts that the results of said forum hold no legal legitimacy for forming a new management board.
Kowani’s Vice Chairperson, Atiek Sardjana, explained that the organisation is currently stable and actively executing strategic programmes. She noted that there is no constitutional urgency to hold an Extraordinary Congress.
“The KLB does not meet the necessary provisions because it is not based on conditions threatening the organisation and lacks the support of at least two-thirds of the members. Kowani continues to operate actively, so there is no urgency for a KLB,” stated Atiek.
Echoing this sentiment, a member of Kowani’s Legal Expert Team, Prof. Siti Nur Azizah Ma’ruf, emphasised that the current leadership possesses a strong legal foundation based on the results of the 2024 Kowani Congress.
Amidst these internal issues, Kowani is intensifying its efforts to strengthen the position of Indonesian women on the international stage. A priority agenda includes the ‘Kowani Goes to UNESCO’ initiative and the registration of the organisation’s historical archives into the UNESCO Memory of the World programme for 2027.
Prof. Popy Rufaidah, a member of the Kowani Advisory Board, reminded that decisions made by the Congress, as the highest forum, must be respected. “Every decision, including the election of the Chairperson, is organisationally binding unless overturned through legitimate mechanisms in accordance with the AD/ART,” she explained.
Support for the legitimate leadership also came from dr. Niken Arief Sulistyanto, Chairperson of Dian Kemala. She urged all elements to focus on empowerment programmes that provide tangible benefits to the wider community rather than becoming trapped in management polemics.
As Kowani approaches its centenary in 2028, the organisation has urged all member organisations, ministry partners, and institutions to refer only to official information from the legitimate management. The organisation emphasised that differing views are natural but must be resolved through dignified mechanisms.
For Kowani, the struggle pioneered since 1928 is not merely about leadership, but about preserving a legacy of dedication and the unity of Indonesian women for future generations.