JAKARTA - A rare moment occurred at this year's Joint Session of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) when Speaker Puan Maharani sang a verse from John Lennon's song "Imagine," to reflect on the issue of gender equality in government.
Puan initially revealed data showing that women's representation in the DPR RI for the 2024-2029 term has reached a record high of 21.9 percent, or 127 out of 580 members.
"This is progress worthy of appreciation, but it is still far from the ideal target of at least 30 percent female representation in legislative institutions, as embodied in the spirit of gender affirmation in Indonesian politics," Puan said in a speech at the joint session at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday, August 15.
The joint session was also attended by President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
Puan stated that women's voices are the original notes that contribute to the symphony of the nation's life. Without them, she argued, the melody of civilization would lose its harmony, like tinkling sounds that never become a song.
"Men and women live in the same world and bear equal responsibility for building global civilization, as the lyrics of a once-popular song say," said Puan.
Puan then sang the song "Imagine" in front of Prabowo and thousands of guests invited to the annual session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR RI).
"Imagine all the people, sharing all the world. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday, you will join us, and the world," Puan sang.
"That's how we should imagine a place where women and men share space, share power, and share responsibility for mutual progress. Women also have the right to hold public and state office at all levels," concluded the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
