Depok, March 10, 2026 — In the framework of the 58th Anniversary of FISIP UI, the Center for Political Studies (PUSKAPOL UI) FISIP UI together with the Department of Political Science FISIP UI held a research seminar entitled “Leading in the Shadow of Violence: Women’s Political Participation in Southeast Asia.” This seminar served as a space for disseminating research results as well as a discussion forum regarding the various challenges that women still face in participating and leading in the political arena, both in Indonesia and in the Southeast Asian region.
The seminar presented PUSKAPOL UI researchers, Hurriyah and Delia Wildianti, who presented research findings regarding women’s political representation and various forms of gender-based violence experienced by women in political life. In their presentation, the two researchers emphasized that women’s political participation is not only measured by the increase in the number of women holding political positions, but also by the extent to which they can participate safely, equally and meaningfully in the decision-making process.
One of the primary focuses of the seminar was the discussion on Violence Against Women in Politics (VAWP). These forms of violence include intimidation, harassment, personal attacks, the delegitimization of women’s leadership capacity, and various forms of gender-based violence occurring in digital spaces. Research findings indicate that these practices remain significant barriers for women wishing to engage in politics, while many cases remain undocumented or inadequately reported.
In addition to discussing the challenges faced by women in politics, the seminar highlighted the importance of strengthening policies and protection mechanisms for women participating in political life. Both researchers emphasized the need for more systematic data development and monitoring of women’s political participation and cases of gender-based violence in politics. The availability of comprehensive data is considered essential as a basis for formulating policies that are more responsive and effective in promoting women’s political representation.
In their presentation, the speakers also reviewed various best practices from several countries that have developed instruments for the protection of women in politics. These experiences demonstrate that increasing women’s representation must be accompanied by efforts to create a safe political environment and clear handling mechanisms for various forms of gender-based violence.
The discussion session was active, with participation from attendees of various backgrounds, including academics, election organizers, civil society organizations, and gender issue activists. Various questions and responses from participants enriched the discussion regarding the challenges of women’s political participation in Indonesia.
One of the responses in the discussion session was delivered by Iffa Rosita, a member of the General Elections Commission (KPU) of the Republic of Indonesia. She highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional support for women involved in politics, including through more inclusive political education, strengthening political party commitments to women’s representation, and the need to create a political space that is safer and free from all forms of gender-based violence.
Furthermore, participants raised questions regarding the relationship between the current state of women’s representation and the historical development of the women’s movement in Indonesia, including the dynamics of women’s organizations during the Old Order and New Order eras. Responding to this, the speakers explained that the development of women’s representation in politics cannot be separated from changes in the socio-political context, institutional support, and the presence of actors who consistently push the gender equality agenda within the political sphere.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of broadening perspectives on women’s political participation by considering the experiences of groups that have been underrepresented, including women with disabilities. Participants emphasized that efforts to realize an inclusive democracy must take into account the diversity of women’s experiences and the various layered barriers they face in political life.
Through this seminar, PUSKAPOL UI hopes to encourage the strengthening of the gender equality agenda in politics while broadening public understanding of the various challenges women still face in fulfilling their political roles. Efforts to increase women’s representation must be accompanied by the creation of a safe, inclusive political space free from all forms of gender-based violence, so that women can fully participate in the democratic process and public decision-making.
