Like An Open Letter For Russia-Ukraine Peace, Iriana Joko Widodo's Hug Brings Warmth

JAKARTA - The warmth that soothes the heart when sadness hits, also warm that gives a sense of security when fear disturbs the mind. That feeling is what Iriana Joko Widodo gave to the victims of the wars between Russia and Ukraine.

The presence of Iriana, as the First Lady of the Republic of Indonesia, is an open letter to the world that Indonesia wants peace. A soft touch along with a serene gaze from a mother sends a warm feeling to anyone who receives it.

In the midst of the terror and fear that dominates Kyiv and among the ruins of buildings that are no longer safe places to shelter and rest, Iriana has no hesitation in setting foot there. She accompanies her husband, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, in the same mission, namely world peace.

As the Deputy Coordinator of Maju Perempuan Indonesia, Titi Anggraini, views, Iriana's presence is a symbol of siding with those who are victims of war, especially women and children.

The presence of the First Lady as a woman carries a strong humanitarian message that war directly sacrifices women and children.

Undeniably, the groups most affected by war are women and children; ranging from loss of life, experiencing disability, loss of residence, separated from family, to prolonged psychological trauma.

Moreover, women and children are also vulnerable to exploitation to join the war and even experience physical torture to sexual violence.

Indonesia, as a country that upholds a sense of humanity, will not be silent when it sees the suffering that has plagued every human being on this earth. Therefore, Iriana took the risk to accompany President Jokowi to a country that was at war.

"If it wasn't for a mission of peace and solidarity based on civilized humanity, of course he would not have made such a choice," said Titi Anggraini, quoted from ANTARA, Saturday, July 2.

Women and peace Iriana's presence is also a symbol that women have superior values to build a persuasive approach to the parties who are fighting.

Apart from the risk of war that she had to face when she set foot in Ukraine, Iriana also fought the stigma that suggested that peace affairs in the midst of war were better played by men.

The ethical and humanistic approach of women shown by Iriana when meeting women victims of the war in Ukraine is proof that women also have an important role in bringing about peace in the midst of war.

Looking back at the various achievements of women who have succeeded in writing world history, Titi revealed that there have been many women who are capable of building world peace.

Call it Malala Yousafzai, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for her struggle against the oppression of children and youth and for their right to education.

Not limited to Malala Yousafzai, there are other female peace figures, namely the first democratically elected female president in Africa, namely the President of Liberia for the 2006-2018 period Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

The Nobel Peace Prize she won was the result of her efforts to achieve peace and fulfill women's rights without resorting to violence.

These achievements are proof that women, above all structural challenges and the inherent stigma, can also bring about peace through humanitarian activities without involving violence.

For Titi Anggraini, the challenge is the opportunity for women to prove their abilities; and in this regard, the First Lady did not miss the opportunity to be present in Ukraine and carry out her humanitarian mission.

His presence is a symbol that a mother will never be afraid to be present and channel warmth to her children who are trapped in the cold of fear and uncertainty.

A mother is willing to be the front shield to protect their children from harm, as well as being the first person who will provide a warm hug to calm their children from the gripping fear.

The sincerity of the peace mission The world can read that Iriana's presence is an open message that shows Indonesia's seriousness in realizing world peace. Indonesia has never been neglected, Indonesia has never been silent, because world peace is the nation's ideal.

Iriana's gesture is the universal language of humanity with a very noble message, that's how Titi Anggraini described Iriana who provided humanitarian assistance to the victims.

As a noble message, Iriana's presence said that the world community must give solidarity to anyone who is a victim and affected by war, regardless of religion and nationality.

On the other hand, Iriana's presence is a symbol of Indonesia's soft diplomacy, said Ridlwan Habib as a military and intelligence observer when interpreting Iriana's presence.

As President Joko Widodo emphasized in his press conference in Russia, Indonesia has no other interest than to resolve the war between Russia and Ukraine, and secure food and energy supply chains for the whole world.

Moreover, Indonesia maintains good relations with Russia and Ukraine. This relationship is also proven by the presence of Iriana.

The presence of the First Lady of the Republic of Indonesia in the midst of a warring country is a manifestation that Indonesia believes that, as a country close to Indonesia, Ukraine and Russia will not endanger Iriana's safety.

Indonesia is fighting for the interests of the world, for the welfare of the wider community, not for other interests. Apart from Indonesia's role which is currently undergoing the G20 Presidency, Indonesia has a mission to participate in implementing world order based on independence, eternal peace, and social justice.

Iriana's participation in Ukraine is a symbol of the sincerity of this peacekeeping mission.