Gender and Politics in Post-Reformasi Indonesia

This book employs a gendered perspective to uncover an in-depth understanding of the political role of women leaders in local government in Indonesia. Beginning with the story of two women who successfully won the local elections in Indramayu in 2010 and Tangerang Selatan in 2011 respectively the book uses their experiences as a point of departure to present a discussion on female political leaders’ part within the larger political dynastic structure in Indonesia. The book explores the multiple challenges and difficulties that these women encountered in reaching power and in promoting local democracy highlighting the patriarchal nature of the oligarchy. In doing so this book provides a rich empirical account of the current features of female political leaders and their political and familial linkages. The research thus contributes significantly to the work of scholars and political activists seeking to unpack the process and progress of democratization in post-reformasi Indonesia in which women’s political participation and leadership are an inevitable and vital part. In doing so the book champions how Indonesian women are playing an increasingly important role in the democratic process even in the face of the enduring challenges posed by familial ties and political dynasty factors that continue to hinder democratization—trends that are also prevalent across multiple Southeast Asian countries in the twenty-first century. Relevant to scholars and students situated at the intersection of gender and politics this translated and updated co-publication is a tour de force led by one of Indonesia’s seminal scholars in women’s studies.