Friday, 31 July 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM ~ North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution has emphasized the importance of a balanced role for women in both the household and public spheres, stressing that both domains should complement each other rather than be seen as opposing forces.
He made the remarks during a seminar titled "Saatnya Perempuan Bicara" (The Time for Women to Speak), organized by the North Sumatra Office for Women's Empowerment, Child Protection, and Family Planning (PPPAKB), held at the Raja Inal Siregar Hall, Governor's Office in Medan, on Friday, April 24, 2026, as part of Kartini Day commemorations.
Women's Strategic Role Highlighted on Kartini Day
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The seminar brought together key national and regional figures, including Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, First Advisor of TP PKK North Sumatra Titiek Sugiharti, Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Muhammad Husni, Bank Indonesia North Sumatra Representative Head Rudy Brando Hutabarat, and various government officials and women's organizations.
Bobby welcomed the minister's presence and praised her visit to a disaster shelter for victims of hydrometeorological events in the region, calling it an inspiring example for society, particularly for women.
"Welcome and thank you for joining us in North Sumatra to commemorate Kartini Day. We did not expect such an extraordinary response from the minister," Bobby said.
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Low Representation of Women in Political Leadership
Bobby also highlighted the still-limited participation of women in public office, particularly in decision-making positions. He noted that several regencies and cities in North Sumatra have no female representation in local parliaments.
"In some regions, there are no female members in the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD). While the DPRD of North Sumatra is chaired by a woman, overall representation remains very low," he explained.
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He added that only Labuhanbatu Regency is currently led by a female regional head, although some areas do have female deputy leaders.
With North Sumatra's population reaching approximately 15.7 million people—of which 7.8 million are women—Bobby stressed the strategic importance of women in shaping the region's future.
"This group will define the future leadership of North Sumatra," he said.
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Encouraging Future Women Leaders
Bobby expressed hope that continuous seminars and training programs would help produce more female leaders capable of taking on national leadership roles.
He also called for breaking down the traditional separation between domestic responsibilities and public participation for women.
"We must break this barrier. Women should not be forced to choose between household duties and public roles. They can do both—as mothers and as active contributors in public life," he stated.
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Rising Cases of Violence Against Women
Meanwhile, Minister Arifatul Choiri Fauzi reported that in 2025, Indonesia recorded 35,131 cases of violence against women and children, involving 37,372 victims, more than 30,000 of whom were women.
"Although the numbers are high, they also reflect increasing courage among victims to report cases. However, this remains a serious issue," she said.
She emphasized the need for stronger prevention efforts, noting that forums such as the seminar play a vital role in raising public awareness and preventing violence.
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"We hope future generations will become more sensitive and committed to protecting women," she concluded. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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