Purwakarta Regent's Song Criticized; Rights Body Demands Leaders Commit to Ending Discrimination

Komisi Nasional Anti Kekerasan terhadap Perempuan (Komnas Perempuan) has criticized the Purwakarta Regent, Saepul Bahri Binzein, for releasing a song in Sundanese titled "Lalaki Langit, Lalanang Bejat." The commission stated that government development requires leaders who understand gender-based power relations and are committed to eliminating discrimination.

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The case in Purwakarta is a reminder that gender-just development cannot be supported solely by regulations. Development needs leaders who understand gender-based power relations, can identify the impact of policies on women and vulnerable groups, and are committed to eradicating discrimination in governance.

"The case in Purwakarta is a reminder that gender-just development cannot be supported solely by regulations. Development needs leaders who understand gender-based power relations, can identify the impact of policies on women and vulnerable groups, and are committed to eradicating discrimination in governance," said Komnas Perempuan member Daden Sukendar.

Komnas Perempuan views the controversy as an opportunity to strengthen gender mainstreaming nationally. Sukendar emphasized that a gender perspective must be systematically integrated into the recruitment, training, promotion, and performance evaluation of public officials. Leadership standards should encompass human rights, gender equality, and protection for women, not just administrative and technical skills.

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Leadership standards should encompass human rights, gender equality, and protection for women, not just administrative and technical skills.

The commission requested the government to reinforce the implementation of Presidential Instruction No. 9 of 2000 by making gender perspective a leadership competency standard for all public officials. Additionally, the General Election Commission, Election Supervisory Agency, and political parties were urged to develop training for public candidates on gender equality, human rights, and women's rights protection. "All public officials must make respecting women's dignity, equality, and non-discrimination the foundation for all public statements and policy implementation," Sukendar added.

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All public officials must make respecting women's dignity, equality, and non-discrimination the foundation for all public statements and policy implementation.