Return to pre-Kartini era?

Return to pre-Kartini era?

Upon reading an article in the June 4 edition of The Jakarta
Post about a group of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) clerics who said women
should not become president, I was really amazed and considered
it to be degrading to women.

If their capabilities are proven, why should they not be
allowed to become leaders? Wasn't Cut Nyak Dhien a warrior and a
great female leader? Will Indonesian women be forced back into
the era before Kartini, who fought for women's emancipation?

I strongly agree with the rector who said the fatwa was a
step back for Indonesian democracy. Eep Syaifullah Fatah, a
political analyst, raised the question: How will Indonesia
progress if Koranic verses are still used to justify a political
stance? He also believes this is a kind of child's politics.

As a devout Muslim woman, I am really disappointed that the
sacred verses are being manipulated for political purposes.

Let the people vote for the president and vice president of
their choice, in accordance with their consciences.

DRG. SUSILOWATI R.
Jakarta