LPPA PWA DKI Jakarta Discusses the Role of Women in Politics

 Secretary General Of The Perindo Party,Ahmad Rofiq said that the position of women is strategic in political development. The number of female voters is greater than male voters. This was conveyed when presenting material in the Public Discussion of the 'Aisyiyah Research and Development Institute (LPPA)  Alia Cikini Hotel Hall in a hybrid manner, Wednesday (27/9/23). 

“In the Kompas Research and Development survey, the potential for women's voices is greater than that of men. Women are very strategic in politics, of course in terms of votes. For this reason, women's future participation in politics is very important. "This can be seen from the data that seventy-two percent voted, and the rest abstained," concluded Rofiq

Apart from that, Rofiq explained that the position of women in politics is not ideal. Women's representation in politics is considered a complement, a political commodity, and only a few women are involved in politics.

Different from the first day, this discussion discussed roles and leadership in politics. The speakers for the second day were the Secretary General of Perindo, Ahmad Rofiq, Head of the LPPA Studies Division, Dr. Endang Sulastri, M.Sc., Chair of LPPA PP 'Aisyiyah Prof. Dr. Syamsiyatun., and moderated by Member of LPPA PWA DKI Jakarta, Dr. Tria Patrianti, MIKom.

According to Rofiq, as a potential voter, the direction of women's political references will influence the electability of candidates and political parties. Therefore, he encouraged 'Aisyiyah to become the leading gateway to increasing women's representation. Later, there will be changes that are in line with the mission of 'Aisyiyah and Muhammadiyah.

“This is an opportunity to make significant changes in politics. In politics, don't just talk in a theoretical context. "However, we have to be actively involved so that this change can be realized," said Rofiq

Head of the DKI Jakarta LPPA PWA Study Division Dr. Endang Sulastri, said that in a democratic system, political sovereignty is in the hands of the people. To realize people's sovereignty, political representation is needed which is formed through general elections (Pemilu). For this reason, it is important to discuss the strategy and optimization of 'Aisyiyah cadres in the upcoming simultaneous elections.

Furthermore, he highlighted the previous discussion regarding the policy of the DKI Jakarta Muhamammadiyah Regional Leadership (PWM) regarding diaspora cadres in politics. Endang hopes that this discussion can become a commitment that "Aisyiyah cadres are ready to be actively involved in politics.

Apart from that, Endang, who is also known as a lecturer at the Muhammadiyah University of Jakarta (UMJ), explained how to optimize the role of 'Aisyiyah cadres in elections. Optimizing the role starts from being a voter, involved in organizing elections, observer, witness, or volunteer.

"Let's prepare 'Aisyiyah, don't be left behind. "We are starting to identify who will fill those roles," said Endang.

After discussing women's involvement, Chairman of LPPA PP 'Aisyiyah Prof. Dr. Syamsiyatun specifically discussed the challenges of women's leadership in politics. Syamsiyatun explains how to realize women's prophetic leadership. 

"Manhaj (method) of Muhammadiyah requires the activation of various reasons in understanding and implementing the Islamic teachings taught by the Prophet in the context of leadership," said Syamsiatun.

Apart from that, Syamsidar also said that 'Aisyiyah needs to be involved in politics, whether formal or non-formal, with the basis of prophetic leadership. In terms of organizational leadership, 'Aisyiyah needs to synergize various women's leadership in various domains to achieve common goals.

Finally, he invited us to review the extent to which 'Aisyiyah played a role in internalizing the prophetic values ​​formulated, the scope for activating leadership, and resilience in facing challenges.

In another session, Hesti, a cadre of the 'Aisyiyah East Jakarta Regional Leadership, supported program activities organized by LPPA PWA DKI Jakarta. This public discussion can be a reference for the PDA in welcoming the 2024 democratic party. 

"This can be a reference for us PDA East Jakarta and 'Aisyiyah administrators in other areas. The hope is that this can be transmitted to each area in the DKI Jakarta area. "Moreover, it is an opportunity to welcome the upcoming democratic party," concluded Hesti when met on the sidelines of public discussion activities.

This discussion resulted in a follow-up plan that will be carried out by PWA, namely making material about election outreach distributed to all branches, mapping voters, identifying 'Aisyiyah cadres to become election organizers at the lower level, strengthening the capacity of election organizers, registering as election observers. , and established a women's cadre school. 

Sumber: Website UMJ