Gender Gap Indonesia

Gender Gap Indonesia, Gender Equality, Woman Standing Near Carabao
West Sumatra, Indonesia – © Ihsan Adityawarman




The Gender Gap in Indonesia: History, Progress, and Challenges

Indonesia faces significant challenges in achieving gender equality. The country ranks 100th out of 146 nations globally. Furthermore, Indonesia has only achieved 69.7% gender equality according to recent assessments.

The gender gap affects multiple sectors of Indonesian society. These include politics, economics, education, and health. Moreover, cultural traditions and social norms continue influencing women’s opportunities.

Progress occurs slowly but steadily across various dimensions. Government initiatives and civil society efforts drive change. Additionally, younger generations embrace more progressive gender attitudes.

Historical Background

Colonial Era and Early Pioneers

Indonesian women faced severe restrictions during colonial times. Oppressive traditions included pingitan (the seclusion of women after their first menstruation until marriage). Additionally, women endured forced polygamous marriages regularly.

Indonesian historical literature remembers Kartini as the earliest critical voice calling for the freedom of women. She challenged traditional limitations through education advocacy. Moreover, her writings inspired future generations of feminists.

Independence and Early Republic

Indonesia gained independence in 1945 with women’s participation. Female leaders emerged during the nationalist movement. Furthermore, women contributed significantly to the independence struggle.

The early republic saw some women entering politics. Women such as Kartini Kartaradjasa and Supeni were well-known in the Indonesian National Party (PNI). Additionally, Walandauw led the Indonesian Christian Party effectively.

New Order Period

The Suharto era (1966-1998) brought mixed results for women. Government promoted women’s roles in development programs. However, authoritarian policies limited women’s political participation significantly.

State feminism emerged during this period. The government controlled women’s organizations through official channels. Moreover, traditional gender roles received official reinforcement.

Important Historical Figures

Raden Ajeng Kartini (1879-1904)

RA Kartini is considered the pioneer of Indonesian feminism. She advocated for women’s education and emancipation. Additionally, Kartini introduced emancipating women through education in 1879–1904.

Kartini challenged patriarchal constraints through her writings. She corresponded with Dutch feminists regularly. Furthermore, her letters revealed deep insights about women’s conditions.

Every April 21, the Indonesian nation commemorates Kartini Day as a tribute to the struggle of Raden Ajeng Kartini in advocating for women’s rights during the colonial era. This celebration continues inspiring modern Indonesian women.

Megawati Sukarnoputri

Megawati Sukarnoputri served as the president of Indonesia from 2001 to 2004 as the first female president of Indonesia. Her presidency broke significant political barriers. Additionally, she demonstrated women’s leadership capabilities nationally.

Megawati inherited political legacy from her father, Sukarno. She led the Indonesian Democratic Party-Struggle (PDI-P). Moreover, her presidency proved women could govern effectively.

Contemporary Leaders

Modern Indonesia produces numerous female leaders across sectors. They serve in government, business, and civil society. Furthermore, these leaders advocate for continued gender equality progress.

Women like Sri Mulyani Indrawati serve as Finance Minister. She demonstrates economic leadership expertise internationally. Additionally, other women lead major corporations and organizations.

Key Organizations and Institutions

Government Institutions

Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection

This ministry leads national gender equality efforts. It develops policies for women’s advancement. Additionally, the ministry coordinates cross-sector gender initiatives.

The ministry implements various programs nationwide. These include economic empowerment and violence prevention. Furthermore, it monitors gender equality progress systematically.

National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan)

Komnas Perempuan addresses gender-based violence comprehensively. The commission investigates violence cases thoroughly. Additionally, it advocates for stronger legal protections.

The commission publishes annual reports on violence trends. It also provides policy recommendations to government. Moreover, Komnas Perempuan educates public about women’s rights.

International Organizations

UN Women Indonesia

UN Women supports Indonesian gender equality initiatives. The organization provides technical assistance regularly. Additionally, it facilitates international knowledge sharing.

UN Women implements various programs across Indonesia. These focus on political participation and economic empowerment. Furthermore, the organization addresses violence against women.

World Bank Gender Program

The World Bank conducts extensive gender research in Indonesia. According to a recent World Bank study, if Indonesia increased public expenditure on childcare services to 0.5 percent of its GDP from its current share of 0.04 percent, the female labor force participation rate would increase to 58 percent.

The Bank provides financing for gender-focused projects. It also offers technical expertise to government. Moreover, World Bank research informs policy development.

Civil Society Organizations

Indonesian Women’s Coalition (KPI)

KPI represents major women’s rights organization in Indonesia. It advocates for policy changes actively. Additionally, the coalition monitors government commitments to gender equality.

The coalition comprises numerous member organizations nationwide. They work on diverse issues affecting women. Furthermore, KPI influences national policy discussions significantly.

Aisyiyah

Aisyiyah represents the largest Muslim women’s organization globally. It operates throughout Indonesia with millions of members. Additionally, the organization promotes women’s empowerment within Islamic contexts.

Aisyiyah runs schools, hospitals, and community programs. It advocates for women’s rights from religious perspectives. Moreover, the organization influences conservative communities effectively.

Current Gender Gap Statistics

World Economic Forum

Global Gender Gap Report

Indonesia was ranked 100th out of 146 countries in the global gender gap rankings. This ranking reflects persistent challenges across multiple dimensions. Additionally, The Global Gender Gap index score for Indonesia in 2024 was 0.69

The Global Gender Gap Report benchmarks countries on their progress towards gender parity across four thematic dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment.

2025
Rank: 97 (out of 148 countries)
Score: 0.692
› report

2024
Rank: 100 (out of 146 countries)
Score: 0.69

2021
Rank: 101 (out of 156 countries)
Score: 0.688

Economic Participation

Female labour force participation in Indonesia has remained largely unchanged at just above 50% for over two decades. This stagnation indicates persistent structural barriers. Additionally, women face significant workplace discrimination regularly.

Women earn 77 cents for every dollar men earn for work of equal value in Indonesia. The gender pay gap affects women’s economic independence. Moreover, an even wider gap exists for women with children.

Women concentrate in informal sector employment disproportionately. They often lack social protection and benefits. Furthermore, limited access to credit restricts women’s business development.

Political Representation

As of February 2024, only 21.9% of seats in parliament were held by women. This represents slow progress in political participation. Additionally, Indonesia is 120th out of 187 countries in women in political representation.

Women remain underrepresented in executive positions. Few women serve as governors or mayors. Moreover, traditional attitudes limit women’s political ambitions significantly.

Political parties show limited commitment to gender equality. They rarely nominate women for top positions. Furthermore, cultural barriers discourage women’s political engagement.

Educational Achievement

Indonesia shows remarkable progress in educational gender equality. Girls outperform boys in primary school consistently. Additionally, Literacy rates remain high at 97% with minimal gender gaps.

Women now comprise majority of university students. They excel in various academic fields. Furthermore, educational achievements translate into professional opportunities increasingly.

However, subject segregation persists in higher education. Women concentrate in social sciences and humanities. Moreover, they remain underrepresented in STEM fields.

Health and Survival

In terms of Health and Survival, Indonesia achieves 97% parity, ranking the country 72nd in the global index. This represents significant progress in health outcomes. Additionally, maternal mortality rates decreased substantially.

Access to reproductive health services improved nationwide. Family planning programs reach rural areas effectively. Furthermore, skilled birth attendance increased significantly.

Nevertheless, challenges remain in specific health areas. Some regions lack adequate healthcare facilities. Moreover, cultural barriers limit women’s healthcare access.

Violence Against Women

Prevalence and Types

In 2018, 8.9% of women aged 15-49 years reported that they had been subject to physical and/or sexual violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months. This statistic reveals significant domestic violence issues.

Various forms of violence affect Indonesian women regularly. These include domestic violence, sexual harassment, and trafficking. Additionally, online violence against women increases rapidly.

Cultural norms often normalize certain violent behaviors. Victim-blaming attitudes persist in many communities. Furthermore, social stigma prevents women from reporting violence.

Legal Framework

Indonesia enacted comprehensive domestic violence legislation. The 2004 Domestic Violence Law provides legal protection. Additionally, recent amendments strengthen enforcement mechanisms.

Sexual violence legislation passed in 2022 after years of advocacy. The law criminalizes various forms of sexual violence. Moreover, it establishes victim support systems.

However, implementation remains challenging across regions. Law enforcement lacks adequate training on gender issues. Furthermore, traditional justice systems sometimes conflict with formal law.

Female Genital Mutilation in Indonesia

Historical Background and Cultural Context

Female genital mutilation (FGM) has deep historical roots in Indonesian society. Traditional circumcisers have carried out these practices for generations. Moreover, cultural and religious beliefs often justify these harmful procedures.

FGM practices vary significantly across different Indonesian communities. Some regions consider it a religious obligation. Additionally, others view it as a cultural tradition ensuring purity.

The practice intersects with broader gender inequality issues. FGM reflects patriarchal control over women’s sexuality. Furthermore, it demonstrates the persistence of harmful traditional practices.

Current Prevalence and Statistics

Indonesia shows alarmingly high FGM prevalence rates nationwide. Currently, 49% of girls undergo FGM by age 14. Additionally, 97.5% of Muslim females experience FGM by age 18.

National prevalence reaches approximately 50.5% across all demographics. This affects an estimated 55 million females as of 2018. Moreover, Indonesia ranks among countries with highest global FGM rates.

UNFPA estimates that 15 million more girls will undergo FGM by 2030. This projection assumes current prevention efforts remain inadequate. Furthermore, acceleration of anti-FGM programs becomes critically important.

Regional Variations and Patterns

FGM prevalence varies dramatically across Indonesian provinces. Gorontalo Province shows the highest rates at 83.7% overall. Additionally, Bone Bolango District reaches 93.1% prevalence.

East Kalimantan shows relatively lower rates at 60.4%. Jambi Province records 69.7% prevalence rates. Furthermore, West Nusa Tenggara shows 68.7% of girls affected.

East Nusa Tenggara demonstrates the lowest prevalence at 2.7%. This significant variation reflects different cultural influences. Moreover, regional education and advocacy efforts show varying effectiveness.

Types and Practices

Indonesian FGM primarily involves Type I and Type IV procedures. Type I includes partial clitoral removal. Additionally, Type IV encompasses various non-medical practices.

“Symbolic” cutting represents common practice in many regions. This includes applying iodine or turmeric to genitals. Furthermore, some communities use nicking or pricking methods.

Unusual practices include using chickens to peck girls’ genitals. These varied methods reflect diverse cultural interpretations. Moreover, medicalization of FGM increases in urban areas.

Medicalization Trends

Healthcare institutions increasingly offer FGM services in Indonesia. Birth clinics provide FGM as part of delivery packages. Additionally, medical professionals perform procedures previously done by traditional circumcisers.

This medicalization trend normalizes harmful practices further. Medical involvement provides false legitimacy to FGM. Furthermore, it complicates prevention efforts significantly.

Healthcare workers often lack proper training on FGM harm. Many consider it culturally acceptable practice. Moreover, economic incentives encourage continued medical involvement.

Legal Framework and Government Response

Indonesia became one of the first countries banning FGM in 2006. The government prohibited health officials from performing procedures. Additionally, authorities considered FGM “useless” and potentially harmful.

However, the Indonesian Ulema Council opposed this ban immediately. Religious authorities argued for FGM’s religious necessity. Furthermore, they pressured government for policy reversal.

Current legal status remains complex and inconsistent. Some regions maintain unofficial tolerance for FGM. Moreover, enforcement varies significantly across different provinces.

International Comparisons

Indonesia ranks among countries with highest global FGM prevalence. Only Somalia, Guinea, and Djibouti show higher rates. Additionally, Indonesia and Egypt lead FGM prevalence globally.

Asia accounts for over 80 million FGM-affected women and girls. Indonesia contributes significantly to this regional total. Furthermore, Asian FGM receives less international attention than African cases.

Compared to African countries, Indonesian FGM shows different characteristics. Less severe cutting methods predominate in Indonesia. Moreover, medicalization occurs more frequently than in traditional African contexts.

Impact on Women’s Health

FGM causes immediate and long-term health complications. These include infections, excessive bleeding, and urination problems. Additionally, childbirth complications increase significantly for affected women.

Psychological trauma affects many FGM survivors throughout life. Anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders occur frequently. Furthermore, sexual dysfunction and pain persist long-term.

Research on Indonesian FGM health impacts remains limited. More comprehensive studies need conducting urgently. Moreover, healthcare systems must address survivors’ specific needs.

Prevention Efforts and Challenges

Civil society organizations actively campaign against FGM practices. They educate communities about harmful health effects. Additionally, these groups advocate for stronger legal enforcement.

Religious leaders play crucial roles in prevention efforts. Progressive Islamic scholars challenge FGM religious justifications. Furthermore, they promote alternative interpretations emphasizing women’s wellbeing.

Community resistance remains significant in many regions. Deep-rooted cultural beliefs resist change efforts. Moreover, economic interests of traditional circumcisers complicate prevention.

Role of Education and Awareness

Education programs show promise in reducing FGM prevalence. Communities with higher education levels show lower rates. Additionally, awareness campaigns target parents and traditional leaders.

Youth engagement proves particularly effective for prevention. Young people challenge traditional practices more readily. Furthermore, they influence family decision-making processes.

Media campaigns raise public awareness about FGM harm. Television and social media reach broad audiences. Moreover, celebrity endorsements amplify anti-FGM messages effectively.

Challenges and Barriers

Cultural and Social Norms

Traditional gender roles persist strongly in Indonesian society. These norms limit women’s opportunities significantly. Additionally, family expectations prioritize women’s domestic responsibilities.

Religious interpretations sometimes restrict women’s participation. Conservative groups oppose gender equality initiatives. Moreover, patriarchal attitudes influence decision-making processes.

Social media amplifies both progressive and conservative gender discourse. Online harassment targets women activists regularly. Furthermore, digital divides affect women’s access to information.

Economic Barriers

Limited access to financial services restricts women’s economic participation. Banks often require male guarantors for loans. Additionally, women lack collateral for business development.

Unpaid care work burdens women disproportionately. Indonesia’s current share of 0.04 percent of GDP on childcare services reflects inadequate support systems. Moreover, women spend significantly more time on household duties.

Occupational segregation concentrates women in lower-paid sectors. Glass ceiling effects limit advancement opportunities. Furthermore, pregnancy discrimination affects women’s career progression.

Institutional Weaknesses

Government institutions lack adequate gender expertise. Many officials receive limited gender training. Additionally, gender budgeting remains poorly implemented.

Civil society organizations face funding constraints regularly. They compete for limited donor resources. Moreover, political restrictions limit advocacy effectiveness.

Data collection on gender issues needs improvement. Many statistics lack disaggregation by sex. Furthermore, rural areas show significant data gaps.

Recent Progress and Initiatives

Government Programs

The government implements various women’s empowerment programs. These include microcredit schemes and skills training. Additionally, gender mainstreaming policies spread across ministries.

Village fund allocations include gender-responsive projects. Local governments develop women’s empowerment initiatives. Furthermore, national strategies align with international commitments.

Digital platforms facilitate women entrepreneurs’ access to markets. E-commerce programs target women specifically. Moreover, digital literacy training reaches rural women.

Private Sector Engagement

Major corporations adopt gender diversity policies. They implement women’s leadership development programs. Additionally, companies establish sexual harassment prevention mechanisms.

Industry associations promote women’s participation actively. They provide networking opportunities for women. Furthermore, mentorship programs support women’s career advancement.

Corporate social responsibility programs often focus on gender issues. Companies fund women’s education and health initiatives. Moreover, they support women’s economic empowerment projects.

Civil Society Activism

Women’s organizations continue advocating for policy changes. They monitor government implementation of gender commitments. Additionally, grassroots movements address local gender issues.

Young feminist movements emerge across Indonesia. They use social media for advocacy effectively. Furthermore, they challenge traditional gender norms creatively.

International partnerships strengthen local organizations’ capacity. They facilitate knowledge sharing between countries. Moreover, global networks amplify Indonesian women’s voices.

Regional Variations

Urban vs Rural Differences

Urban areas show greater gender equality progress. Cities offer more opportunities for women’s participation. Additionally, urban women access better education and healthcare.

Rural areas face persistent traditional constraints. Limited infrastructure affects women’s mobility. Furthermore, conservative attitudes prevail more strongly.

Urbanization creates both opportunities and challenges for women. Cities offer employment but also present safety risks. Moreover, rural-urban migration affects family structures.

Provincial Disparities

Java and Bali show relatively better gender equality outcomes. These regions have stronger economies and infrastructure. Additionally, educational opportunities remain more accessible.

Eastern Indonesia faces greater gender equality challenges. Remote locations limit access to services. Furthermore, traditional cultures maintain stronger influence.

Special regions like Aceh implement Islamic law affecting women. These regulations restrict women’s activities significantly. Moreover, local interpretations vary across communities.

International Cooperation

ASEAN Initiatives

Indonesia participates in ASEAN gender equality initiatives. Regional cooperation addresses shared challenges. Additionally, peer learning facilitates best practice sharing.

ASEAN declarations commit member countries to gender equality. These frameworks guide national policy development. Furthermore, regular meetings monitor implementation progress.

Global Partnerships

Indonesia engages with international organizations on gender issues. These partnerships provide technical and financial support. Additionally, they facilitate capacity building programs.

Sustainable Development Goal 5 guides national gender strategies. Indonesia reports progress regularly to UN mechanisms. Moreover, international monitoring encourages accountability.

Bilateral cooperation with donor countries supports gender programs. These partnerships fund specific initiatives. Furthermore, they enable knowledge exchange opportunities.

Looking Forward

Indonesia faces both opportunities and challenges in closing the gender gap. The country shows progress in education and health sectors. However, economic and political participation require significant improvement.

Demographic changes favor gender equality advancement. Younger generations embrace more progressive attitudes. Additionally, urbanization creates new opportunities for women’s participation.

Technology offers innovative solutions for gender challenges. Digital platforms can enhance women’s economic participation. Moreover, online education reaches remote areas effectively.

Government commitment remains crucial for sustained progress. Policy implementation needs strengthening across all levels. Furthermore, adequate funding ensures program effectiveness.

Civil society organizations must continue advocacy efforts. They provide essential services and monitor progress. Additionally, grassroots movements drive cultural change.

Private sector engagement will determine economic participation outcomes. Companies must implement genuine diversity policies. Moreover, entrepreneurship support can enhance women’s economic independence.

International cooperation provides valuable support for gender equality efforts. Technical assistance and funding remain important. Furthermore, global partnerships facilitate knowledge sharing.

The path forward requires coordinated action across all sectors. Government, civil society, and private sector must collaborate effectively. Additionally, men’s engagement proves essential for sustainable change.

Success depends on addressing root causes of gender inequality. Cultural norms need gradual transformation through education. Moreover, structural barriers require systematic dismantling.

Indonesia has the potential to achieve significant gender equality progress. Strong foundations exist in education and health. Furthermore, growing awareness creates momentum for change.

The next decade will prove critical for gender equality advancement. Sustained efforts across all dimensions are necessary. Moreover, innovative approaches can accelerate progress significantly.

Young women’s leadership offers hope for the future. They bring fresh perspectives and energy. Additionally, their achievements inspire continued progress.

Indonesia can become a regional leader in gender equality. Success requires unwavering commitment from all stakeholders. Furthermore, persistent effort will eventually transform society comprehensively.

Sources and References

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Sources and Research
UN Women

Women Count Data Hub: Indonesia

Country Fact Sheet
> data.unwomen.org/country/indonesia