Lestari Moerdijat Highlights Low Female Participation in STEM Sector
The Deputy Speaker of the MPR RI, Lestari Moerdijat, has highlighted the persistently low participation of women in Indonesia’s technology industry. According to her, this lack of female involvement poses a serious obstacle to the nation’s competitiveness and innovation.
“The gender gap in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) sector is not merely an issue of justice, but a strategic national interest that requires systematic handling,” Lestari stated in her remarks on Monday (8/6/2026).
During the Indonesia Chief Information Officer (CIO) 200 Summit 2026 in Jakarta, it was revealed that female participation in Indonesia’s technology industry remains below 20%, while those occupying top leadership positions account for only about 8%. These figures lag significantly behind neighbouring countries such as Thailand (42%) and Singapore (41%).
Furthermore, 2024 data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) shows that while female STEM graduates in Indonesia reach approximately 35%, only about 8% are actually working in the sector. This implies, according to Lestari, that the majority of women with STEM education do not pursue careers in science and technology.
“This data indicates that the primary issue is not women’s academic ability. Many women achieve excellent results in science and mathematics, yet they still face social barriers and gender stereotypes that limit their participation,” explained Rerie.
The member of Commission X of the DPR RI explained that these obstacles often emerge from an early age through social expectations that diminish the confidence of young girls in science and technology fields. Unconsciously, Lestari noted, this condition leads many women to view STEM as an unrealistic career path.
To address this issue, Lestari is urging the education system—starting from the family environment—and human resource development policies to place greater emphasis on strengthening female participation in science and technology. “Schools and universities need to create inclusive learning environments, providing space for women to be active in research, scientific discussion, and academic leadership,” she said.
Furthermore, Lestari stated that developing an inclusive educational ecosystem will open wider opportunities for the younger female generation to contribute to innovation, technology, and science. She assessed that gender equality in STEM is not just a social justice issue, but also a strategic national interest.
“By opening wider access for women in STEM, Indonesia will not only achieve gender justice but also strengthen the foundation for innovative and competitive human resource development,” she concluded.