UNAIR NEWS – Women who are usually known as men’s companion figure are now beginning to show their existence in various fields. One of them is in the world of politics.
They are no longer limited to konco wingking (the supporting spouse) who spend most time behind the scenes. Nowadays women begin to take steps to participate in the leading role.
Responding to the phenomenon of women’s existence in the field of leadership and politics, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) Universitas Airlangga held a public discussion titled “Srikandi-Srikandi (Women) Leadership in Political Scene” in Adi Sukadana Room, Thursday, July 19. In the discussion, there were three lecturers as speakers, Dr. Nurul Istifadah, lecturer of Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB); Airlangga Pribadi, Ph.D, FISIP lecturer; and Dr. Dwi Astuti, a lecturer at Sunan Giri University Surabaya.
Good Conscience
Being the first speaker, Dr. Dwi opened the discussion by explaining the long history of women’s role. That is, since the time of Islamic civilization until the birth of Kartini figure who became starting point of women’s emancipation movement in Indonesia.
Even so, Dr. Dwi added that there really is no desire in women to “step over” the men. Everything already has its own nature and limits.
“The background of women to be brave in the world of politics and leadership, is nothing but from their conscience to do good. There is an advanced mindset and a positive intention to build the nation, ” she said.
The presence of women in the Indonesian political stage is not to disturb the position of men. Precisely the role of women can complement the effort in achieving the ideals of the nation. Dr. Dwi hoped there must be access that always support women to develop themselves.
Feudalism Culture
Meanwhile, Airlangga revealed that the media rarely expose the history of women’s power in changing Indonesia. This cannot be separated from the history of Indonesia with the culture of feudalism. In the end, it influences the political structure and character in Indonesia.
“I think, the structure and character of Indonesian politics now emphasize more on hard politics on the political battle. There are intellectuals who talk that politics is macho, masculine, ” he said.
“The female figures who appear in the political scene must adapt the culture of harsh political structures. It is a form of machois , patriarchal view, ” he added.
Airlangga believes that the designation of Founding Fathers to the founders of the nation is innacurate. The word ‘fathers’, he added, refer only to men as freedom fighters. In fact, there were many female figures before Soekarno era who also fought for the nation’s independence,
“For example, Kartini, Cut Nyak Dien, and Cut Meuti,” he said.
“Why not The Founders of Republic ? as the establishment of this country is also inseparable from the role of women, “he added.
The view of women that they are emotional figure is the result of social construction of society during this time. In fact, women can be competent in leadership.
“For example the Mayor of Tri Rismaharini Surabaya with her achievements during her leadership up to two periods,” he said.
The women ministers such as Susi Pudjiastuti, Sri Mulyani, as well as the newly elected East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, are also the evidences that now many Indonesian women do not only use their existence as capital, but also to lead the country.
Women Opportunity
On the other hand, the third speaker, Nurul Istifadah spoke more about the role of women viewed from an economic point of view. According to her, the key to success of a development is the economic aspect.
The challenge of Indonesia in the future is not easy. Competition is getting tighter so the aspect of leadership must be able to face it. In terms of leadership ability, many women have it.
“We are beginning to see the role of women in a better direction. Women have the opportunity to enter any field. Not only have social and institutional capital, but also capital capability or good competence, ” she said.
Meanwhile, met after the event, President of BEM FISIP UNAIR also gave his opinion regarding the issues raised. Today there are many women in politics today. It is a new education for students that so far, especially 2018, the role of women is getting massive and significant. They are no longer merely spectators in democracy.
“I hope all students participate actively in the political and social sectors. The complexities of the politics need our role together, both in part and full, ” he said. (*)
Author: Zanna Afia Deswari
Editor: Feri Fenoria Rifa’i
