Prabowo Urged to Avoid Gender Stereotypes in Public Statements

Indonesia's National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) has called on President Prabowo Subianto to exercise greater caution in his public statements, particularly concerning women and girls. The commission warns that his remarks could inadvertently reinforce harmful gender stereotypes and confine women to traditional roles.

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Komnas Perempuan asks the President to give special attention to gender equality issues and to be more careful in his conduct and statements in public spaces so as not to reinforce stereotypes that place women in an inferior position and confine them to personal matters, such as dating and marital relationships.

Dahlia Madanih, Deputy Chair of Komnas Perempuan, stated that the president should pay closer attention to gender equality in his public communications. "Komnas Perempuan asks the President to give special attention to gender equality issues and to be more careful in his conduct and statements in public spaces so as not to reinforce stereotypes that place women in an inferior position and confine them to personal matters, such as dating and marital relationships," Dahlia said.

Her comments followed remarks made by President Prabowo during the annual session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and a joint session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and Regional Representatives Council (DPD). In his speech, Prabowo linked a 10-year-old girl, identified only by the initial C, to the issue of dating. Komnas Perempuan expressed concern that such statements could divert public attention from the girl's accomplishments to her personal life, highlighting the need for state officials to be mindful of their public communication.

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This has the potential to shift public attention from her achievements to her personal life, and therefore needs to be a concern in the public communication of state officials.

The commission stressed that state attention should focus on fostering healthy and equal relationships and ensuring safe environments for women and girls to develop their potential. This includes access to education, healthcare, safety, and opportunities for talent development and achievement. "Protection for girls should not be built through restrictions rooted in gender stereotypes, but through education, parenting and a social environment that supports their development while respecting their dignity and rights," Dahlia added. Komnas Perempuan also emphasized that statements made at official events carry significant weight and can influence societal perceptions and treatment of girls.

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Protection for girls should not be built through restrictions rooted in gender stereotypes, but through education, parenting and a social environment that supports their development while respecting their dignity and rights.