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Customs and excise office celebrates Kartini, her fight for equality for women at work
"If only when I was a child when the words 'emancipation' had no sound, it didn't mean anything to my ears anymore.
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"If only when I was a child when the words 'emancipation' had no sound, it didn't mean anything to my ears anymore. Essays and books about the revival of women are still far from dreaming, but at that time, they were already living in the world. In my heart, a desire that is getting stronger and stronger is the desire to be free, to be independent, to stand alone.”
That was written by RA Kartini, the daughter of RM Adipati Ario Sosorodiningrat, a regent of Jepara in Central Java. It was included in a letter addressed to Stella Zeehandelaar in May 1899. Through the correspondence between the two women, Kartini successfully increased the status of Indonesian women so that they would not be underestimated. The aforementioned letters were collected and published in a book titled Habis Gelap Terbitlah Terang (After Darkness Comes Light).
Nowadays, women no longer have to enter seclusion until marriage, and they have gained as many opportunities as a common man for self-actualization. A woman in the eyes of her parents is seen as a child, in the eyes of her husband as a wife and in the eyes of her children as a mother. Women are now able to carry out multiple roles to succeed professionally and personally. Women have succeeded in occupying strategic positions and have been involved in decisions and policy-making.
Strategies and programs to ensure equality between the two genders are not uncommon at the Customs and Excise Directorate General. The strategy is known as Gender Mainstreaming (PUG), which aims to regulate women's participation in dealing with issues of accessibility to obtain development benefits, participation in activities, control over decision-making and roles in using the results of a policy.
In supporting women’s empowerment, the customs and excise office also participated in the Network for Gender Equality and Diversity by the World Customs Organization (WCO) on March 8 as part of International Women’s Day. International customs and excise cooperation director, Anita Iskandar, who represented Indonesia as one of the speakers, had the opportunity to talk about the Customs and Excise Directorate General’s support of services for people with disabilities by providing opportunities for them to work there.
The office also participated in the Global Forum for National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs) on Feb. 3 and the First APEC Sub-Committee on Customs Procedures Meetings (SCCP1) on Feb. 17 in order to highlight initiatives that champion gender equality.
“We hope to remove the barriers faced by women in cross-border trade and in promoting inclusive trade for all. We firmly believe that trade policymakers, border regulatory agencies and the business community can work hand in hand to create a gender-responsive business environment,” said Anita.
The number of women tracking dog handlers (PPAP) at the customs and excise office has also increased. The position used to be dominated by men, but opportunities are now open to women as well. So far this year, three out of the 15 new dog handlers are women, bringing the total number to eight women dog handlers.
“This has become my choice in carrying out state duties. As a young and empowered woman, I want to maximize my potential. Becoming a dog handler is both fun and challenging. I can work while playing with my K-9, even though my job is full of risks because I can deal directly with prohibited items, such as narcotics, psychotropics and precursors,” dog handler Dyah Lokowati said about her reasons for joining the Customs Tracking Dog Unit (K-9).
Kartini Day is not just a ceremony; it is a day to appreciate Kartini’s persistence to fight for emancipation to be realized, inspired and continued. Her hopes are not small dreams that are celebrated every April 21, but they are the ideals of Indonesian women to have the opportunity to achieve higher education and self-actualization. The involvement of women in workspaces and decision-making roles is a manifestation of the success of equality that Kartini fought for. Thank you, Kartini, your name will forever be immortal in the struggles of today's women.
