Jakarta, Indonesia – April 19, 2010 – UN Security Council Resolution 1325 calls for recognition and inclusion of women in issues of peace and security, which means adopting a gender perspective and fulfilling the special needs of women and children during repatriation and resettlement, reintegration, and post-conflict reconstruction. While Indonesia has ratified Resolution 1325, Mrs. Linda Gumelar, Minister for Women Empowerment and Child Protection, claims that awareness and implementation of the issue is inadequate in Indonesia. Minister Gumelar made this claim during a roundtable discussion in Jakarta on March 24–25, entitled “Women at the Indonesian Peace Table: Enhancing the Role of Women in Conflict Resolution,” sponsored by the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) and funded by USAID/SERASI.

HD, an independent Swiss-based mediation organization, partnered with the Indonesia Institute of Sciences (LIPI) and the State Ministry for Women Empowerment and Child Protection, in bringing together more than 30 participants for the roundtable, including representatives of institutions in Jakarta and conflict affected regions (Aceh, Maluku, Central Sulawesi, North Maluku and Papua) in addition to other government representatives.

Citing examples and experiences from Maluku, Central Sulawesi, Aceh, and Papua, participants reached a consensus that despite having always contributed significantly to informal peace processes, women’s contributions have never been fully documented or recognized. Participants also noted that it is challenging to ensure women gain access to formal peace processes where high level decision making occurs. Other challenges identified by the group include: lack of awareness of and commitment to political processes among women, lack of proper education causing low levels of awareness among women about their political rights, and the feelings of oppression that are generated by a traditionally patriarchal Indonesian society.

The roundtable produced several important recommendations that will be formulated into a policy paper and presented to the State Ministry for Women Empowerment and Child Protection. One recommendation urges relevant government agencies involved in the drafting of the social conflict management law to revisit the draft to ensure that sufficient gender elements are incorporated. Another recommendation is formation of a working group on women and conflict in multiple government agencies to resolve the current gap of understanding of gender issues and lack of coordination among sections within agencies that deal with gender mainstreaming and conflict.

SERASI is a USAID funded project focused on creating stable, democratic communities. It is implemented by International Relief and Development (IRD).