Making room for women

The Constitution does not allow discrimination between men and women in filling government or state positions. This means that women can assume the post of not only vice president, but also that of president. Naturally, not just any woman can aspire to assume those positions. Rather, candidates must go through the prevailing system and mechanisms -- which is through nomination by faction(s) in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

It is in this context that the public, in particular the media, have been tirelessly hounding Golkar for information regarding the person its faction will be proposing to fill the (vice-presidential) post. Because the Golkar faction controls the majority of votes, it is reasonable to expect that the candidate proposed by Golkar through its faction in the MPR will emerge the winner. In this context, too, it can be understood that Golkar cannot as yet lightly mention any names.

Meanwhile, with regard to the idea of nominating women as deputy governors in the provinces, as proposed by Golkar's central board general chairman, we believe that the time has indeed come to give women the chance to assume such positions. This could also be a preparatory step to appointing women as provincial governors.

In brief, in accordance with the provision of our Constitution, which makes no distinction between men and women, it is to be hoped that Golkar's concept may motivate women to strive toward the same level of progress already achieved by men, without relinquishing their innate character as women.

-- Suara Karya, Jakarta