Women's Caucus urged to voice often-overlooked issues

Semarang (ANTARA) - Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Commission VII, Siti Mukaromah, is encouraging the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus (KPP) at provincial and regency/city levels to serve as a platform for fighting various issues affecting women, children, and vulnerable groups.

“Issues concerning women, children, and other vulnerable groups must be a shared responsibility,” said Siti during the inauguration of the Central Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) Parliamentary Women’s Caucus in Semarang on Wednesday.

According to the General Treasurer of the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus of the Republic of Indonesia, the KPP can also serve as a channel to increase women’s participation in political life and public office.

She noted that the presence of women in parliament demonstrates that women have the space to hold public positions, and emphasised the need to “increase the capacity and quality of women in public office with full awareness.”

Siti stated that one of the key tasks in Central Java is to increase female representation in the DPRD to at least 30 per cent. Currently, there are 23 women out of a total of 120 members of the Central Java DPRD, representing approximately 19 per cent.

“Currently, it is still around 19 per cent. Moving forward, we must concretely ensure that the 30 per cent female representation target is met,” she said.

Despite the representation not yet reaching 30 per cent, Siti remarked that this does not diminish the efforts of female legislators to fight for the interests of women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Presidium of the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus of the Republic of Indonesia, Badikenita Br. Sitepu, inaugurated the management of the Central Java Provincial Parliamentary Women’s Caucus for the 2025–2030 period.

Rr. Maria Tri Mangesti was appointed as the Chairperson of the Central Java Provincial Parliamentary Women’s Caucus for the 2025–2030 term.

Maria stated that the Central Java KPP will focus on several issues, including stunting management, the prevention of violence against women and children, the strengthening of family economies, and ensuring equitable access to education and healthcare.