Women in Indonesian politics: Indonesia's 30% Reservation

In the 2019 national election, Indonesian voters ushered in a record number of women into the parliament, marking a significant increase from the dismal 8.8% representation following the 1999 election. With women activists tirelessly advocating for gender parity in politics, the implementation of a 30% candidate quota seemed like a step in the right direction. However, as the country gears up for the next election, the question looms: Is the quota sufficient to truly elevate women’s representation in Indonesian politics?

While the quota system mandates that parties nominate at least 30% female candidates, the reality of women’s political participation in Indonesia remains complex. Under the open-list proportional representation system, parties wield significant control over candidate placement, yet voters retain the freedom to choose any candidate. Despite the quota’s institutional backing, women continue to encounter formidable barriers, including entrenched patriarchal attitudes among voters regarding women’s suitability for leadership roles.

Moreover, Indonesia’s electoral landscape presents additional hurdles for women candidates. With political parties receiving minimal public funding, candidates are often required to finance their own campaigns, placing a heavy financial burden on individuals, particularly those facing economic disparities. The open-list system further intensifies competition among candidates within the same party, exacerbating the prevalence of “money politics” and necessitating substantial campaign expenditures.

Furthermore, the selection of women candidates by political parties is often influenced by clientelism, favoring elite individuals or celebrities with existing networks and name recognition. This trend not only perpetuates the dominance of political dynasties but also sidelines potential candidates emerging from grassroots organizations, hindering the diversification of political leadership.

As Indonesia prepares for the upcoming elections, the outlook for women’s representation remains mixed. While certain women politicians have garnered visibility through advocacy efforts, gender issues have yet to take center stage in electoral campaigns. Additionally, recent regulatory changes concerning quota implementation have sparked concerns among democracy and gender activists.

A controversial regulation issued by the Indonesian Electoral Commission in 2023 introduced rounding down of women candidate quotas, effectively diluting the 30% requirement in some electoral districts. Despite successful appeals against this regulation, its enforcement remains uncertain, raising doubts about the electoral commission’s commitment to gender equality.

In conclusion, while incremental progress in women’s representation is possible, significant structural barriers persist in Indonesian politics. The erosion of foundational democratic institutions by male-dominated political elites further underscores the challenges facing women’s political empowerment in the country.

_{Repurposed article originally published in She the People}