Women's Leadership in Strategic Positions in the DPR RI

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Women's Leadership in Strategic Positions in the DPR RI

(Case Study on Desy Ratnasari as a Member of the DPR who Occupies a Strategic Position in the DPR RI)

Medya Apriliansyah

Universitas Pelita Harapan

ABSTRACT

The Election Law stipulates 30% of women's representation in political parties, creating opportunities for women to enter politics. In fact, at this time women have been given the trust to become a leader, one of them in the DPR RI. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview and explanation of the leadership of women DPR members in strategic positions in the DPR RI. This research uses a qualitative approach using a case study method. Data collection techniques in this study are interviews, documentation, and observation. The data analysis techniques used are data collection, data reduction, presentation of data, and concluding. The results of this study show that many women participate in politics, but there are so many obstacles and challenges faced, such as patriarchal culture, social perceptions, and gender stereotypes. The low representation of women legislators is due to the patriarchal culture that is still thick in the lives of Indonesian people. This research can be used as a reference in women’s leadership in a strategic position in the DPR because previous research focused on women’s leadership at the village head level.

Keywords:Leadership, women, DPR RI;

INTRODUCTION

The development of the political world and the implementation of elections in Indonesia have made changes Law Number 12 of 2003 concerning the General Election of Members of the People's Representative Council, Regional Representative Council, and Regional People's Representative Council which has an impact on improving or strengthening the substance of articles related to women's representation in parliament. The changes include, among others, the substance of Article 65 (paragraph 1) regarding the policy of fulfilling the 30% quota for women's representation in the composition of the list of candidates for legislative members, the substance of Article 8 (paragraph 1) in Law Number 10 of 2012 concerning General Elections for Members of the People's Representative Council, Regional Representative Council, and Regional People's Representative Council, regarding the policy of fulfilling the 30% quota for women's representation in the management of political parties at the central level, the substance of Article 55 of the Election Law no. 8 of 2012 concerning the 30% quota in the list of prospective legislative candidates and Article 56 (paragraph 2) concerning the composition of prospective candidates which must contain at least 1 female candidate from every 3 prospective legislative candidates.

Evidence of a positive impact of Change Law Number 8 of 2012 concerning the General Election of Members of the People's Representative Council, Regional Representative Council, and Regional People's Representative Council As an affirmative action, especially in the Central Legislative Institution (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Republik Indonesia/DPR-RI), 120 women were elected to become members of the DPR-RI in the 2019-2024 period. This shows an increase in the number of women elected in the 2014-2019 DPR-RI period as many as 97 women.

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From the journey of the legislative member election period, history records that there was a woman who failed to become the Deputy Chair of the DPR RI, she was Ms. LH who had been a member of the DPR RI for 3 periods (2009 – 2014 period, 2014 – 2019 period and 2019 – 2024 period) and the only woman elected to the DPR-RI in her party. Ms. LH while serving as Chair of the Commission in the 2014-2019 period, was once proposed by the Faction Leaders and approved by the Party Central Leadership to occupy the position of Deputy Chairperson of the DPR RI, as the first woman to be appointed as a leader in the DPR RI. However, this failed and Mrs. LH could not return to the position of Chair of the Commission as before because other members of the Indonesian House of Representatives were replaced by men.

When interacting socially in the political world, women do not yet have or do not have power, this can occur due to several possibilities, namely; there are still understandings or thoughts about patriarchal cultural values that influence the social perception of male politicians and their thoughts on the stereotype of women's abilities so that women have not been elected to strategic positions in the organizational structure of Political Parties, the positions of Faction Leaders; women do not yet have social relations with party elites and a wide network of relations with the community in their constituencies. The thought of several possible reasons why women do not have or do not have this power shows that the ownership of power in politics is important for women, because with power, (Samad & Hardi, 2018; Taribuka & Sunaryo, 2015; Manek, 2015).

Based on the description above, the researcher assumes that the patriarchal cultural values that are generally embraced by the Indonesian people are still attached to the culture in the DPR RI which produces social perceptions and thoughts/ideas about gender roles/stereotypes of men and women in strategic/leadership positions. in the context of the distribution of power between men and women in politics. This can be a challenge or obstacle for women members of the DPR RI to achieve strategic/leadership positions in the DPR RI. Therefore, researchers are interested in research to find out and understand the description of the leadership of women DPR members in strategic positions in the DPR RI.

Patriarchal culture is a value system that shows men have a role as the main control in society, while women have little influence or can be said to have no rights in general areas in society, both economically, socially, politically, psychologically, and the institution of marriage.

(Sakina & Siti, 2017). Indonesian society, in general, adheres to a patriarchal culture, although some adhere to a matrilineal culture, which considers descent to follow the maternal/female line, such as the Minangkabau community. But in reality, the one who has the power to regulate inheritance is the male Mamak or uncle (Nurmila, 2015). Culture has the power to shape ideas about how the roles of men and women should be (Myers, 2015). The diversity of gender roles across cultures and over time shows that culture does help shape human gender roles. In other words, humans will shape their roles according to the culture that humans believe in.

Social construction is born from thinking Berger (2011), as outlined in his famous writings, namely Innovation to Sociology (1963) and The Social Constructions of Reality (1966) which were written with his colleague, Luckman (2013). In his book, it is stated that reality is socially formed, therefore sociology as science must analyze how this process occurs. Social construction is the formation of a conceptual system of culture and linguistics. Social construction also aims to make the world meaningful to others. Meaning is created from the system of code switching, rules or agreements as well as historical signs. The construction of gender roles is how gender roles are formed from culture and socialized.

In his research journal, Ristanty et al., (2017) state that social perception in terms of knowing other people can be said to be a very complex activity because other people are also

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something very complex. This process takes place in daily discourse/discourse between individuals who interact on a micro and macro level. Discourse/discourse has implications for what individuals can and should do because each individual will build constructions of thought and behavior in the social environment and perceive the world of reality that is constantly changing as a social construction. This will produce thought constructions about various things, such as women's femininity (Myers, 2015).

According to the research journal of Haryono & Dhewy, (2014) explained about attitudes related to views of women in politics, that society shows a tendency to still use double standards in judging women and men. The evaluation of female legislative candidates is not directed at their political vision or political program but is more directed at the female body being targeted. This kind of attitude is not only carried out by the community, but the media also shows a similar tendency. The media tends to present women in a dichotomous way, as the smart one on the one hand and the dumbest on the other. In addition, the media also prefers eye-catching issues in their view and ignores issues related to women's needs. Women's participation in politics must be supported to be able to implement the capabilities possessed by women in the world of politics, to be able to prosper society in general.

METHOD

This study uses a qualitative approach, using a case study method, which tries to provide an overview and explanation of the leadership of women DPR members in strategic positions in the Indonesian Parliament. The author analyzes the data according to the descriptive-qualitative method which is complete in the subjective measure of the researcher so that the reader can understand and discover new knowledge. Data collection techniques in this study were observation, interviews, and documentation. The informant selected in this study is Desy Ratnasari where he is a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives who has a strategic position in the Indonesian House of Representatives as Deputy Chairman of the National Mandate Party Faction Leader and Chairman of the West Java National Mandate Party DPW. The data analysis techniques used are data collection, data reduction, data presentation.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Women's Leadership in Patriarchal Culture

In Indonesia, patriarchal culture, in general, is still very embedded in society, this can be seen from the position of men still dominating the top position, this agrees with the opinion of Nurmila, (2015: 2) which states that all Indonesian people, in general, adhere to a patriarchal culture, so that the position of women in society is still seen as not superior to men and men are also always positioned as the most important, superior and dominant in society.

When Desy entered politics by becoming a member of the DPR RI, this was a breakthrough for Desy as a woman who was trusted by the community to become a people's representative in the DPR RI. This is also an implementation of the Election Law which stipulates 30% representation of women in political parties.

Opportunities for women in the world of politics are still facing various problems that are certainly contrary to patriarchal culture. Based on the opinion of Maleta (2014)which states that the challenge of patriarchal culture presents its problems in the life of the nation and ongoing pluralism, in reality, it can be seen from how one group finds it difficult to accept another group in a certain position. Desy stated that she still faces many challenges as a woman entering the

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world of politics today even though there is an Election Law that provides opportunities for women. However, for Indonesian people who still adhere to a patriarchal culture, this is still a challenge for me as a woman to prove that we as women are also capable of being equal in this political world.

When women occupy positions that are usually occupied by men, this is a challenge in a patriarchal culture. Indeed, various discussions about patriarchal culture, which put men as the most important when compared to women. This condition is what makes women still less supported and discriminated against in the political field. So it can be seen that one of the factors that make women less confident to go into politics is patriarchal culture. When women want to enter politics, they will always collide with a patriarchal culture that makes them less confident.

Where in this culture will always assume that men are more important than women and assume that women take care of the household and family. Desy stated that how women can work for the nation through politics when women are still faced with a patriarchal culture that is still very much embedded in the lives of Indonesian people. Desy and other female DPR members still feel that there is a gap between women and men in the DPR RI. Women are still considered not too trusted to be a leader in the DPR RI.

But as time goes on in the world of politics in Indonesia, especially in the DPR RI, with the passing of the Election Law, this is an opportunity for women to be able to prove their people to work for the nation and prove that women can do the same as men and can position themselves as equal. himself in the same chair of leadership. Desy stated that at this time, history has recorded that women can become leaders as with the election of the first President of Indonesia from women, namely Megawati Soekarno Putri. Then at this time also elected for the first time the Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives for the first time in history led by Puan Maharani who is none other than one of the daughters of Megawati Soekarno Putri.

Social Perceptions and Gender Stereotypes of Female Leaders

Based on the opinion of Sari, (2016)in his journal which states that the factor that is the difference in the perception of male ulema about the involvement of women in the political field in South Aceh, is due to differences in interpretation as interpreted by the verses of the Qur'an and Hadith, some scholars do not understand politics and besides that factors influence the level of science and knowledge. This difference in perception has an impact on the lack of involvement of women in Aceh in participating in politics. Desy stated that the social perception of the position of women who participate in politics is still influenced by the patriarchal culture that is still embraced by most Indonesian people. This is the reason why women in Indonesia are still not given confidence in their participation in politics.

The public perception of women's involvement in politics today still requires a long process to change it. Because of that, it takes hard work from women who are currently entrusted by the community to be their representatives in the DPR RI to prove that women's performance is equal to and equal to the performance of men. Desy stated that women who are members of the DPR RI who are entrusted by the community in the Electoral District of West Java IV City and Sukabumi Regency must be responsible for all tasks and trust are given to them as members of the DPR RI, in this case carrying out the functions of legislation, budgeting and also supervision.

It is this task that must be carried out as well as possible as a responsibility as a member of the DPR RI.

The perception of members of the DPR RI from men is still influenced by the patriarchal culture which is also closely related to the idea of gender stereotypes among members of the DPR

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RI. Desy stated that in terms of women's involvement in decision-making in the DPR RI, she as a female member of the DPR RI still feels that the votes of women members of the DPR RI are still considered not as the main voice or as a decisive vote, it can still be said to be a marginal voice. This is indeed the result of the perception of male DPR RI members who still think that women do not have competence in the political field, especially in decision making. He still sees that gender stereotypes are still attached to the minds of male members of the DPR RI, who see that women are only a complement to those in the DPR RI.

Attitudes towards Women's Leadership in Strategic Positions in the DPR RI

The Election Law stipulates 30% of women's representation in political parties, creating opportunities for women to enter politics. But in reality, it is not as imagined, that it is not easy for women to enter and engage in politics because there are so many obstacles and challenges that women have to face when they become members of the legislature. First, it relates to the cultural context in Indonesia which is still very thick with its patriarchal culture. Second, social perception and gender stereotypes. These factors ultimately affect the attitude of a person (male member of the DPR RI) in viewing women who participate in politics and strategic positions in the DPR RI.

Indonesian women mostly work in the domestic household sector. Women who work in the public sphere generally still have to take care of the household, despite the struggle for women's emancipation that seeks equality between women and men. In general, women who work in the public sphere are still in a less profitable (not strategic) position, women are more likely to have limited access and opportunities to get positions, besides being often seen as less credible in holding important jobs. Traditionally, women are placed in a disadvantageous position (not strategic), which is only centered on household activities.

Patriarchal culture has an impact on the lives of women who are often depicted in a lower position than men. Women are often seen as weak, not independent, dependent, complementary types of men, who only play a domestic role. This view gains strong legitimacy in the form of a socio-political structure that is more in favor of patriarchal culture, resulting in women not getting a role to participate and actualize themselves in the political field on an equal footing with men.

Women are always positioned in domestic and reproductive roles which greatly hinder their progress in the world of public and production.

The patriarchal culture hinders the progress of women politicians because some people think that women's job is to be in the house and it is not appropriate to work outside the home.

Especially in the world of politics which is considered the world of men. In terms of political parties, there are indeed not a few political parties that give women access only to the fulfillment of the demands of the 30% representation of women.

Another challenge faced by women politicians is removing women's doubts about the notion that politics is bad and dirty. Understanding the meaning of politics from a women's perspective must be understood first, which becomes a platform for itself in fighting for the improvement and change in the fate of Indonesian women. So that it can criticize the general view/men that politics is a tool to gain power, rather than as an infrastructure/means to improve the condition of Indonesia. Meanwhile, political parties are one of the mainstream vehicles in which women are rational beings, with the same abilities as men, so they must be given the same rights as men. The problem lies in the gender-biased products of state policies.

The involvement of women in the world of politics today in Indonesia, in general, can be said to be slow. This is due to the many stigmas that say that women are identical with the domestic sector, so there are still very few women who participate in politics. While the world of

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politics itself is considered to be attached to a world that is harsh, full of competition, requires rationality and not emotion, and these are considered traits inherent in men.

The perception attached to women is the role as the second region after men. It has a judgmental path, with the tendency of second-class people who should be at home and sprinkled with consumerism, hedonism within the scope of capitalism. The perception of women as weak creatures feeds the idea that women should not be involved in a political world that is full of violence and dialectics of power. Women are considered unable to lead and make firm policies because it is the patron who has formed women as beings of feelings, meaning that women cannot give decisions when using the feeling side in assessing a decision.

Now it can be seen that women are sitting in strategic positions in various fields, both social and political, for example, the highest position in the DPR RI is held by a woman, but the problem will be different when it comes to women. The expectations of the community and even male members of the DPR RI for women as leaders have differences when compared to men, they view female leaders with high standards of expectations and demands, for example, even though women have successfully demonstrated abilities in the field of leadership, they must remain to have a sense of responsibility towards their household and family. They are also required with high qualifications to be said to be worthy as a leader.

DISCUSSION

Women's Leadership in Patriarchal Culture

The leadership of women in the DPR RI can be used as a basis for proving that the chair of leadership is wide open to anyone, both men and women. Little by little strategic positions in the DPR RI have begun to be entrusted to women. Desy stated that the DPR RI has indeed begun to open the door to opportunities for women to be given confidence in occupying strategic positions in the Party Faction in the DPR RI and as leaders in a Commission in the DPR RI.

Currently, Desy is entrusted by the National Mandate Party Faction to serve as Deputy Chair of the Faction, and in her membership in the party, Desy is also entrusted with serving as Chair of the West Java Region National Mandate Party DPW.

The researcher's observations of Desy to build her credibility as a member of the DPR RI in achieving her current position as Deputy Chair of the National Mandate Party Faction in the DPR RI are described as follows: Desy's personality in carrying out her duties as a member of the DPR RI is the result of a family upbringing that has principles of life. tall one. Her parents educate Desy as a child who can be devoted to her parents, always prioritizes religious education, lives socially with other people, both with family, neighbors, or others, and is independent, so Desy is always ready to face all the consequences of all decisions taken in her life. Especially at this time, Desy decided to have a career as a politician and become a leader of a political party in the DPR RI and;

Desy's leadership in politics is the result of her hard work in pursuing her career in the DPR RI to prove her existence as an artist who is only a vote gater, plus Desy is also a woman, this does not dampen her enthusiasm to be able to prove that all these assumptions are not true.

proven, because it is supported by all the work done by Desy during her time as a member of the DPR RI who is always responsible for all the tasks she carries out.

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Social Perceptions and Gender Stereotypes of Female Leaders

Regarding gender stereotypes that occur in the DPR RI regarding women's leadership, Desy stated that the perception of male DPR RI members regarding female DPR RI members is indeed always related to gender stereotypes, from his own experience as a female DPR RI member who occupies strategic positions in the DPR. RI as the Deputy Chair of the PAN Faction, the perception of male members of the DPR RI is indeed different and they still cannot believe in their performance as leaders. This assumption is influenced by gender stereotypes regarding women which are considered that women do not have the capacity as leaders who must be able to decide something where decision making should always be in the hands of men.

Attitudes towards Women's Leadership in Strategic Positions in the DPR RI

Gender stereotypes are categories that reflect impressions and beliefs about what is appropriate behavior for men and women (Wahyudi, 2018). Gender issues or issues, such as lack of understanding of gender, do not only occur at the community level but also become a problem at the decision-making level, both at the legislative and judicial levels (Shen & Joseph, 2020).

Gender issues occur as a result of differences in roles, biological characteristics, rights, and positions as well as strong socio-cultural and patriarchal values that place men and women in different or unequal positions and roles.

In Indonesia itself, the issue of gender equality and anti-violence and issues that carry the themes of equality and justice in the realm of marriage and sexuality continue to be raised.

Historically, this gender difference occurred through a very long and varied process, including being formed, socialized, strengthened, even socially and culturally constructed, either through the interpretation of religious texts or by the state.

Women and politics are things that are difficult to imagine, especially in developing countries such as Indonesia, this is because humans have been formed by culture, which makes women only limited to household affairs, while politics which is always associated with power is always seen as more appropriate to be involved in. men because of the notion that women are still considered taboo and controversial towards leadership. For this reason, socialization of the concept of empowering women is very much needed, especially in the sector regarding political rights as strengthening in the public sphere, it must continue to be pursued more seriously so that its effectiveness is guaranteed.

About attitudes towards women members of the DPR RI in strategic positions in the DPR RI, especially from the perspective of male members of the DPR RI, their perception of women members of the DPR RI who have strategic positions still shows a tendency to use double standards in judging women and men. Even though there are not a few male members of the DPR RI who have the poor capacity and track records, insults and judgmental attitudes are more often and more easily directed at female DPR RI members who are not capable of being compared to male members of the DPR RI. The assessment of women is not directed at their political vision or program but rather at the female body which is being targeted.

CONCLUSION

Women's political participation, especially the representation of women in strategic positions in the legislature, is an important agenda for the government and the legislature itself.

Various affirmation and strengthening policies continue to be pursued. Many women participate in politics, but there are so many obstacles and challenges faced, such as patriarchal culture, social

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perceptions, and gender stereotypes. The low representation of women legislators is due to the patriarchal culture that is still thick in the lives of Indonesian people. This patriarchal social system and structure has placed women in a position that is not equal to men and assumes that the political stage is the world of men.

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