A delegation from the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS), including Georgetown Ambassadors for Women, Peace and Security, recently traveled to Jakarta to examine the advancement of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. The visit focused on women’s progress in Indonesia and the strengthening of collaborations with Georgetown University’s SFS Asia Pacific.
Faith-Based Advocacy and Human Rights
During the visit, the delegation explored how women in the predominantly Muslim nation are advancing their rights through an Islamic framework. Human rights advocate Kamala Chandrakirana and Ruby Kholifah highlighted the role of women ulama, or Islamic scholars, who are issuing fatwas against child marriage and domestic violence.
The delegation also learned about the strategic efforts of the Asian Muslim Action Network (AMAN) and the Indonesian Women’s Ulema Congress (KUPI). These organizations are working to counter far-right religious extremism within the region.
Climate Change and Economic Security
Environmental challenges emerged as a central theme of the trip, beginning with a visit to the coastal fishing village of Muara Angke alongside Ashoka. Retno Marsudi, the UN Special Envoy on Water and former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, detailed the global water crisis and the necessary steps to address it.
The delegation also met with Deputy Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Veronica Tan, who discussed government pilot projects targeting land ownership and food security for women. Ratna Kartadjoemena convened climate and entrepreneurship leaders to discuss inclusive finance and environmental models for women’s entrepreneurship.
Diplomatic Ties and Regional Leadership
The visit included high-level dialogues on Indonesia’s global standing and its relationships with the US and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Discussions featured US Embassy Charge d’Affaires Peter Haymond and ASEAN-IPR Executive Director Ambassador Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja.
Ambassador Puja provided an overview of the ASEAN regional action plan on WPS, emphasizing programs designed to increase the leadership and expertise of women in the region. Other key meetings involved Grata Werdaningtyas, Director General for American and European Affairs, and representatives from Komnas Perempuan and the Parliamentary Caucus for Women, including former Chairman Diah Pitaloka.
The Role of Academic Innovation
The delegation visited Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service Asia Pacific, meeting with Policy Lab Director Scott Guggenheim and Director of Asian Studies Yuhki Tajima. The campus utilizes policy labs to provide master’s students with direct experience regarding Indonesian challenges, including the economy, fisheries, and critical minerals.
This academic presence reflects the strategic importance of the Asia Pacific region. Future graduates from these programs could play an impactful role in shaping diplomacy and development in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are “policy labs” at the SFS Asia Pacific campus?
Policy labs are used to give master’s students a first-hand understanding of various challenges in Indonesia, such as the economy, fisheries, and critical minerals.
Which organizations are countering far-right religious extremism in Indonesia?
The Indonesian Women’s Ulema Congress (KUPI) and the Asian Muslim Action Network (AMAN) are strategically countering far-right religious extremism.
Who discussed the global water crisis during the delegation’s visit?
The global water crisis and the requirements to address it were described by Retno Marsudi, the UN Special Envoy on Water and former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia.
How can the integration of religious scholarship and human rights advocacy serve as a model for other predominantly Muslim nations?
