'Women must not neglect their domestic roles'

'Women must not neglect their domestic roles'

On Dec. 22, Indonesia will celebrate Women's Day, dedicated to
commemorating the role of women in the country. The Jakarta Post
talked to some residents on how they see the role of women.

Burhan, 45, is a minivan driver serving the Ciputat,
Tangerang-Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta route. He lives in Pondok
Pinang, South Jakarta.

I really agree that women must not only stay at home. They may
have activities outside their homes, as long as they still have
time for their families.

My wife is an elementary school teacher. She leaves for school
early in the morning, together with my children. As my wife is
busy dressing my 10-year old son, I have to make my own coffee
in the morning.

I think there is no problem with women's emancipation in
Indonesia. There are many women who hold good positions.
Previously, we had a woman president.

Wahid, 22, is a student of state Islamic University (UIN) in
Ciputat, South Jakarta. He lives in Cililitan, East Jakarta.

Well, women's emancipation has been going on for a long time
in Indonesia. I think there is no problem with women's
emancipation here.

There are many women who hold good positions in both private
and government institutions.

I myself do not mind if my future wife works in an office.
However, I will not allow her to spend most of her time outside
home because I want my children to receive adequate attention
from their parents.

For me, the ideal job for a woman is as a teacher. With such a
position, she will still have time for her family.

There are many busy parents, who have no time for their
children. They depend too much on their maids to take care of
their children. There are many small children who are closer to
their maids than to their mothers.

--The Jakarta Post