Policy Innovation for Political Reform in Indonesia

“30 % Quota for Women’s Representation in Parliament”

• 1950 – 1955 (Temporary DPR) 9    (3, 8%) 236 (96, 2%)
• 1955 -  1960 17 (6, 3%) 272 (93, 7%)
• 1956 – 1959 (Konstituante) 25 (5, 1%) 488 (94, 9%)
• 1971 – 1977 36 (6, 3%) 460 (92, 2%)
• 1977 – 1982 29 (6, 3%) 460 (93, 7%)
• 1982 – 1987 39 (8, 5%) 460 (91, 5%)
• 1987 – 1992 65 (13%) 500 (87%)
• 1992 – 1997 62 (12, 5%) 500 (87, 5%)
• 1999- 2004 (Post-Suharto) 46 (9%) 500 (91%)
• 2004- 2009 (Quota 30%) 61 (11, 9 %) (slightly improvement) 489 (88, 7

More than 53% of the total population in Indonesia consists of women. However, since the 1999 legislative elections that marked Indonesia’s transition to democracy, women comprise only 9 percent of the national legislature (46 from 546 members), 6 percent of provincial assemblies and 4 percent of district assemblies. In addition, only few district executives, provincial governors or senior national government officials are women. Public campaigns, lobbies and negotiations, demonstrations and dialogues are possible strategies for women to attain their political rights.

Throughout 2002, as a part of broader process of constitutional reform, Indonesian politicians debated the establishment of quota for women’s representation. Many women’s groups campaigned for a quota. In February 2003, a limited compromise was reached; the approval of a clause in the new political party law that encourages (but does not require) parties to nominate women as at least 30 percent of their candidates for the 2004 elections.

Law No. 12/2003 on election of Parliament members was endorsed on February 18, 2003, with a clause on a quota for women’s representation in Article 65 section 1:“Every political parties participating in the general election in nominating Candidates for DPR, Provincial DPRD and municipality DPRD members in every region should consider women’s representation of at least 30%”.

The new electoral reform bill calls for 30% of all candidates in parliamentary elections to be female. The 30% quota does not discriminate men, but should be understood as a necessity in the context of Indonesia’s political culture. However, many activists argue that there is still a lack of political will to make sure that enough suitable women come forward to stand for a candidacy in the parliament. Therefore, without an endorsed law, women will be sidelined in Indonesia’s political life.

 Although the clause is not compulsory, the above political decision should be seen as both an opportunity and challenge, and should act as a political foundation to increase women’s political participation and representation in Indonesia.

Yet, there are still many doubts regarding the new policy, particularly on its impact on the agenda of change. While the result of the 2004 elections showed a slight improvement (3.9 %) from the previous elections, the new policy still remains a challenge in the democratization process. However, it could impact voters’ preferences to women as political leaders, change the performance and efficiency of women politicians, change the political culture, lead to changes in policies (the political decisions), increase in the power of women (empowerment) and change the political discourse. Yet, more time is needed until this policy becomes institutionalized.

In a comparative perspective, many countries have already implemented similar policies of quota as a way to enhance and empower women in their parliaments. After a few years, there were significant results in the increase of the number of women representation in parliaments.

Drude Dahlerup, Stockholm University” Defining Quotas”.available at: www.wedo.orgThe key obstacles preventing women from becoming members of parliament in Indonesia are: (1) cultural context is heavily patriarchal, (2) the selection of candidates are elite-oriented and almost always men, (3) the media have yet to effectively mobilize support, (4) there is a conflict within NGOs and political parties toward this common goal, (5) poverty and low level of education of women, and (6) financial constraints that preclude women to enter the political arena. In conclusion, the 30 % quota for women representation in Indonesia’s parliament needs a strong enforcing safeguard to ensure the continuity of the policy innovation in the process of strengthening democratization in Indonesia. Ultimately, more women in politics would lead to a more transparency; which would solidify democracy, tolerance, solidarity, and acceptance.

Written by Luluk Nur Hamidah

Editor : ADMIN LBEL