'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