There is a sexism problem that suppresses and abuses women across Indonesia constantly. Because of the caste system in Indonesia, men are regarded as superior to any women. This is not seen as a problem by Indonesia's politicians but it is a concern for me!
Why should you be treated differently just because of your gender?
What Would A Balinese Family Do If Their First Child Is Female?
Have another, and if that one is also a girl they will most likely try for a boy again!
Some families give up, but then they are looked down upon when a man marries into their family!
Men are seen as the "support" for the women.
The Effect On Women's Labor Market
"We found that on average Indonesian women earn 42% less than their male counterparts, Dr Contreras Suarez said." source. [Italics & bold added]
A small part of the explanation for this is the unequal education and the type of industry you are employed in, but discrimination is the largest factor.
Aceh's Perspective
In the province of Aceh which is a region of Indonesia that follows Islamic or "Sharia" Law.
"Women are often taught that they belong at home. Despite the numerous great female leaders in Acehnese history, empowerment of women is now heatedly opposed by religious conservatives who wish to see laws re-written." Source. [Italics & bold added]
The Muslim religion suppresses all women in Aceh. The religious conservatives are the in the body of the government as well.
Unlawful Practices In The Military
Indonesia is one of the most Muslim populated countries in the world.
For years, any Indonesian women joining the military would have to undergo an abusive and shameful procedure known to the military as the "virginity test".
It's an appalling secret that no one outside the military knew until Human Rights Watch published the issue. This is HRW's report.
"General Moeldoko, the military commander, sees nothing wrong with the practice. “It’s a good thing, why criticize it?” he told journalists last Friday. The virginity test “is a measure of morality. There’s no other way” he added." Source. [Italics & bold added]
The World Health Organisation says there is "no scientific validity", while Indonesia's National Commission on Violence Against Women directly says this is sexual violence.
Morality has nothing to do with one's sexual impulses! This is either naive or inhumane!
"To justify the tests, military officers told female recruits they were crucial to preserving the dignity and the honor of the nation” Source. [Italics & bold added]
Dignity and honor!? This is molestation done by the same people who are told to be protecting this country!
The result of the test was whether or not the woman's hymen was intact. If you're hymen was ruptured or torn, you are not a virgin.
The Problem With The "2 Fingered Virginity Test"
What is a hymen:
“the hymen is not a flat piece of tissue covering the vagina, which is punctured during intercourse. If it were, girls would not be able to menstruate before they lose their virginity because there would be no outlet for menstrual blood.” Source Carol Roye, Nursing Professor. [Italics & bold added]
This test uses no scientific evidence at all, it is disgusting.
“Some girls are born without a hymen, others have only a scanty fringe of tissue. Moreover, for all its fabled mystery, the hymen is just a body part.” Source Carol Roye, Nursing Professor. [Italics & bold added]
What if you were the unlucky woman who was born without a hymen and was said to be a sexual deviant?
Healthy exercises could rupture the hymen.
For example: gymnastics, horseback riding, riding a bike, injuries or masturbation could abruptly tear the hymen. Even tampons could cause rupture under extreme circumstance.
Virginity Tests In Schools
"A city councilor in eastern Java, suggested that graduating middle-school students should be required to take virginity tests. If she is not a virgin, she can’t graduate, he said. In late 2013, the education chief of Prabumulih, in South Sumatra province, proposed the test as a requirement for female students to enter high school." Source. [Italics & bold added]
This is disgusting, would you let your child have a "viriginity test" to enter high-school?
And what if she wasn't a virgin and was the best student of her class?
"Both ideas were shelved following public outcry." Source
I will say that I love Indonesia here, but if this law was passed I would move to a different country!
Sadistic school counselors & the Chief of Education looking to make child abuse a national requirement is horrid.
My Perspective
Women's rights violations are a big problem in Indonesia, the religious leaders looking to suppress women's rights are also looking to humiliate and degrade them.
We need to teach women all over the world that these actions are violations of their rights. Woman should be allowed their privacy and not have their private parts probed by the sadistic army chiefs and school counselors.
I understand this is a very controversial topic and I am ready to join the conversation in the comments!
Image Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Chron has 3 sisters and believes in equality!
