JAKARTA - The Chairperson of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia, Puan Maharani, emphasized the strategic role of women in determining the direction of the nation's journey on the 2026 Kartini Day, Tuesday, April 21. He assessed that women's contributions are no longer about proving ability, but rather the extent to which space and systems provide equal opportunities.
"Indonesian women no longer need to prove that they are capable. Today's question is no longer 'whether', but 'how far' and 'with what kind of system'," said Puan.
According to him, the momentum of Kartini Day is a reflection of the long struggle of Indonesian women who have since the beginning taken part in efforts to advance the nation. Puan emphasized that women are not merely objects of development, but active subjects who help determine the direction of policies and the future of the country.
He emphasized that the involvement of women in development is not only an affirmative policy, but a form of appreciation for human dignity and dignity as well as a strategy to strengthen national competitiveness.
"Including women is the right choice to strengthen the power of the Indonesian nation," he said.
Puan also highlighted the importance of presenting a female perspective in every decision-making process. According to him, the typical life experience of women must be part of policy formulation, not just limited to domestic roles.
"Women not only need to sit in the decision-making room, but also have to help design the space," he said.
Furthermore, Puan associates this spirit with the legacy of RA Kartini's struggle which encourages change through ideas and the courage to act. He assessed that Indonesian women today have continued that struggle by taking leadership roles in various sectors.
"Women today don't wait. They are already leading, already taking care, already changing," he said.
Puan also reminded that the progress of the nation can only be achieved if men and women walk together. He likened the two to two wings that determine the height of Indonesia's achievements.
"A nation that wants to fly high needs both wings, namely women and men," he said.
Closing her statement, Puan invited all Indonesian women to continue to take an active role in development and ensure that no party is left behind in the process of national progress.
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