WIC Jakarta Hosts the Opening of the 17th Welcome Clubs International Conference

Photo: Special

JAKARTA - The Women's International Club (WIC) Jakarta officially opened the 17th Biennial Welcome Clubs International (WCI) Conference on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the Ballroom of The Westin Jakarta. This international conference was attended by representatives from dozens of international women's clubs from various countries in the United States, Great Britain, Germany, South Korea and Indonesia.

As the host, WIC Jakarta welcomed the participants in an atmosphere of warmth, friendship, and the richness of Indonesian culture. This year's conference has the theme "Bridging Traditions and Transformations: Empowering Women through Education and Cultural Heritage in a Changing World" or "Connecting Traditions and Transformations: Empowering Women through Education and Cultural Heritage in a Changing World".

The opening ceremony was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Gender Equality of the Ministry of Empowerment of Women and Child Protection of the Republic of Indonesia, Mrs. Dr. Amurwani Dwi Lestariningsih, S.Sos., M.Hum., as well as invited guests from the diplomatic community, the private sector, women's organizations, and conference participants from within and outside the country.

In her speech, the Conference Chairperson of the 17th WCI Biennial Conference, Dr. Nina Handoko, emphasized that the holding of this conference has strategic significance, not only as an international meeting forum, but also as a space for cultural diplomacy and the exchange of ideas between women across countries. According to him, the theme of Bridging Traditions and Transformations reflects the important challenges faced by women in various parts of the world, namely how to maintain the roots of tradition and cultural heritage, while responding to social changes with inclusive education, collaboration, and leadership.

"The 17th Biennial Conference of the Welcome Clubs International held in Indonesia is not just a meeting, but a journey together. For us, this is also an opportunity to introduce Indonesia to the world as a country rich in tradition, diversity, hospitality, and values of togetherness," he said.

Dr. Nina Handoko added, the clubs that are members of WCI have an important role as a meeting space that builds friendship and strengthens women's contributions in their respective communities. He assessed that, in the midst of a world that is increasingly connected but also faces various social and cultural challenges, networks such as WCI are becoming increasingly relevant as a bridge between generations, cultures, and nations.

Meanwhile, the President of Welcome Clubs International (WCI), Lea Hesse, expressed his appreciation to WIC Jakarta for holding the 17th WCI Biennial Conference. He emphasized that this conference is an important momentum for WCI member clubs to strengthen the network of international friendship, exchange experiences, and deepen commitment to cross-cultural understanding.

According to Lea Hesse, as an umbrella organization based in Washington, D.C., the United States, WCI continues to encourage its member clubs to become inclusive, constructive, and meaningful meeting spaces.

"This Biennial Conference provides an opportunity for all of us to learn from each other, celebrate cultural richness, and strengthen the role of women in building a more understanding community. Indonesia, with its cultural diversity and spirit of friendship, is a very appropriate place for this meeting," he added.

President of WIC Jakarta 2026-2028, Tari Arsita Boestami, said that this conference was a momentum to strengthen friendship and celebrate diversity that unites women from various countries. He hopes that participants can take home inspiration, cultural experiences, and meaningful memories from Indonesia.

In addition to the opening ceremony, this conference also presents a discussion session that highlights the role of women in education, preservation of cultural heritage, social entrepreneurship, and community empowerment. The session featured a number of speakers, namely Mrs. Inayah Wulandari Wahid, daughter of the 4th President of the Republic of Indonesia, K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid; Mrs. Azalea Ayuningtyas, Co-Founder of Du Anyam and CEO of Krealogi; as well as representatives from Batik Marunda.

Through this session, the speakers shared perspectives on how education, traditions, and community-based initiatives can be important instruments in strengthening the role of women, preserving cultural heritage, and creating sustainable social impact.

Welcome Clubs International (WCI) is a non-profit, secular, non-religious, and non-political umbrella organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States. WCI oversees UIN independent international women's clubs in various countries with the aim of promoting friendship, cross-cultural understanding, and education.

Since 2020, WCI has Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). WIC Jakarta is one of the members of WCI along with other international women's clubs in various countries.

As the host of the 17th WCI Biennial Conference, WIC Jakarta hopes that this meeting can strengthen the global network of women, expand cooperation between communities, and showcase Indonesia as a country that upholds friendship, diversity, and cultural heritage.