Ratnawati Honoured with Sekar Agni Negeri Award for Community Empowerment Efforts
After receiving an award from CNN Indonesia, the wife of the General Secretary of the Democratic Party’s Central Executive Council, Dr. Hj. Ratnawati, M.K.K.K., has once again been honoured with the Sekar Agni Negeri award as one of the female leaders driving public service enhancement and community empowerment in the regions. As a member of the West Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) from the Democratic Party faction, she is recognised for actively advocating public service, healthcare, and community empowerment issues.
In the West Java legislative environment, Ratnawati is one of the female figures holding a strategic position as Chair of the Democratic Party faction in the West Java DPRD. Additionally, Ratnawati was named the best DPRD member of 2025 and led her faction to win the best faction award from the West Java DPRD Ethics Committee.
“Women can lead. As chair, it is my duty to fulfil the trust of the people and the party for the advancement of West Java Province,” she stated.
Beyond healthcare and public services, Ratnawati actively promotes the development of local-based UMKM and creative economy, particularly in the Cirebon region and surrounding areas. She believes that strengthening the regional economy requires community empowerment and support for local entrepreneurs to ensure sustainable growth.
Her consistent efforts in advocating public services and community empowerment have made Ratnawati deserving of recognition as a female regional leader contributing to West Java’s development.
Ratnawati’s background as a doctor adds a unique dimension to her political career. She is credited with bringing a public health perspective to regional policy discussions, particularly in improving healthcare services and citizen welfare. For her, regional development is not just about infrastructure but also ensuring citizens receive adequate public services.
“As a doctor, I directly see the community’s need for accessible and timely healthcare services, which I bring into legislative discussions,” Ratnawati said in an interview.
In the West Java DPRD, Ratnawati holds a strategic position as Chair of the Democratic Party faction, placing her among key female figures influencing regional political decision-making. Her presence is seen as strengthening female representation in West Java’s legislative leadership.
Colleagues in the regional parliament note that Ratnawati actively oversees public issues directly affecting communities, from healthcare and education to monitoring local government programs, which form the core of her political focus.
Beyond healthcare, Ratnawati has also focused on developing small and medium enterprises (UMKM). She believes strengthening community economies must start with empowering local potentials in each region, including Cirebon and its surroundings.
“Local UMKM and creative economies need more room to grow. When small communities are strong, the regional economy will also thrive,” she said.
She believes community empowerment cannot be achieved overnight, requiring policy support, training, access to capital, and mentorship to help local businesses grow sustainably in an increasingly competitive economy.
Ratnawati’s consistent advocacy for public services and people-centric economy has earned her recognition as a female regional leader contributing to West Java’s development. Her work is seen as an example of how women can play a pivotal role in politics while delivering tangible benefits to communities.
“I believe politics must deliver direct benefits to the people. When communities feel supported and cared for, that is when the role of a people’s representative holds meaning,” Ratnawati stated.