Women Diplomats Against Global Discrimination

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"Indonesia firmly adheres to the mandate of the Constitution and is therefore respected. At the same time, Indonesia is flexible in networking. We can be friends with anyone," said Retno after becoming a speaker in the Gagas RI event held by Kompas TV in Jakarta on Monday (29/4/2024).

A female diplomat believes that sovereignty, equality, and prosperity can only be achieved through equal access to education and opportunities in all fields. In the process of realizing this, these aspects are crucial in creating peace.

International relations expert Dinna Prapto Rahardjo, who was a respondent in the event, explained that gender discrimination is still felt in the coverage of female diplomats and female heads of state. "There are still many discussions that focus on their background, even their appearance, instead of the substance of their thoughts," she said.

Women's equality

Retno stated that Indonesia's perseverance is shown, among other things, in fighting for the human rights of women in Afghanistan. In addition to accepting Afghan female students to pursue higher education in the country, Indonesia also shared the national madrasah curriculum with Afghanistan. This curriculum is important in fulfilling the right to education and the well-being of Afghan society.

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The condition of Indonesia can be an example, and this is not disconnected from the women's empowerment in the country. Retno told that when she started her career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1985, female diplomats were only at a maximum of 10 percent of the total employees. Currently, the proportion of male and female diplomats is already 50-50. "The further challenge is for women to be able to reach positions as decision makers," she said.

He also explained that Indonesia is persistent in fighting for Palestinian independence. In global forums, Indonesia always highlights the double standards in the enforcement of human rights applied by several countries when it comes to Palestine.

Indonesia once again reminds that double standards are contrary to democracy and humanity. "The world owes Palestine because until now they are still a nation under occupation," he said.

Diplomacy Indonesia, continued Retno, is not based on short-term transactions. He said that Indonesia did not rule out the possibility of normalizing relations with Israel as long as the conditions for Palestinian independence were met. This principle is non-negotiable.

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He explained that diplomacy does not only rely on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. All Indonesian citizens contribute through community empowerment. After that, it is followed by a transparent system that allows competition to be conducted openly and honestly.

Meanwhile, national expert Sukidi stated that since Indonesia's establishment, women have played an active role. As an example, Maria Ulfah and Siti Sukaptinah Sunaryo Mangunpuspito, who were members of the Body of Investigators for Indonesian Independence Preparation Efforts.