A soothing warmth that eases the heart when sadness creeps in, offering a sense of security when fear takes over the mind.
Such feeling is what Iriana Joko Widodo extended to the victims of the war between Russia and Ukraine.
The presence of Iriana, the First Lady of Indonesia, served as a living proof that Indonesia seeks peace.
She had no hesitation to accompany her husband, President Joko Widodo, to traverse past the terror-gripped Kyiv, across the debris and remnants of buildings unfit for humans to live in, all for the sake of world peace.
Deputy Coordinator of Advanced Indonesian Women, Titi Anggraini, deemed Iriana's presence as a token of precedence of the war victims, particularly women and children.
The First Lady's presence as a woman carried a strong message that war puts women and children out as sacrifices.
It is undeniable that women and children are the groups most affected whenever war breaks out. They reel from death, disability, homelessness, separation, and trauma.
They are also prone to exploitation and even forced to join the war and tortured physically and/or sexually as well.
Indonesia, as a country that upholds a sense of humanity, will not stay still whenever it sees people suffering, anywhere on the earth's surface. Hence, Iriana took the risk to accompany President Jokowi to a country that was at war.
"If it wasn't for a mission of peace and solidarity based on civilized humanity, of course, she would not have made such a choice," Anggraini added.
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Women and peace
Iriana's presence is also a symbol that women can initiate a persuasive approach for the parties that were at odds.
On top of the risks of war that she had to face when she set foot in Ukraine, Iriana also fought the notion that peace affairs in the midst of war were better left for men.
Women's ethical and humanistic approach was shown by the first lady upon meeting women victims of the war in Ukraine. It further proved that women also have an important role in promoting peace in the midst of war.
Anggraini noted that back in the past, scores of women had been capable of contributing to world peace.
One shining example is Malala Yousafzai, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for her struggle against the oppression of children and youth and for their right to education.
The other awe-inspiring female figures include the first democratically elected female president in Africa, President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who held office from 2006 to 2018.
The Nobel Peace Prize she won was the fruits of her efforts to achieve peace and fulfill women's rights without resorting to violence.
These achievements are proof that women, beyond all structural challenges and the stigma which entail, can also bring about peace through humanitarian activities, all without using violence.
Anggraini highlighted that the issue was the scarce opportunity for women to prove their abilities; and in this regard, the First Lady promptly seized the opportunity to be present in Ukraine and conduct her humanitarian mission.
His presence symbolizes a mother's courage to be present for her children and provide warmth amidst the fear and uncertainty.
A mother is willing to be the shield that protects her children from harm as well as being the first person, who will provide a warm hug to calm her children from fear.
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A sincere mission for peace
The world can see that Iriana's involvement symbolized Indonesia's commitment in pursuing world peace. Not once has Indonesia ignored or let things be, for world peace has always been the nation's ideal.
Anggraini described Iriana's gesture to provide humanitarian aid as the universal language of humanity with a very noble message.
It compelled the global community to work hand-in-hand in solidarity, assisting anyone who is a victim and affected by war, regardless of religious beliefs and nationality.
On the other hand, Ridlwan Habib, a military and intelligence observer, noted that Iriana's presence was a symbol of Indonesia's soft diplomacy.
President Joko Widodo noted in his press conference in Russia that Indonesia had no other interest than to resolve the war between Russia and Ukraine as well as secure food and energy supply chains for the entire world.
Moreover, Indonesia maintains good relations with Russia and Ukraine. Such relations are also proven by the first lady's involvement.
Her presence as First Lady of Indonesia amid the war was the manifestation that Indonesia believed that neither Russia nor Ukraine, as countries with close ties to Indonesia, would endanger her safety.
Indonesia is fighting for global interests, for the well-being of everyone, and nothing else. Apart from Indonesia's undergoing role as G20 President, it had a mission to create world order on the basis of independence, eternal peace, and social justice.
Iriana's participation in Ukraine was a symbol of the sincerity of this mission.
Related news: Iriana's presence during president's Ukraine visit symbolic of peace
Editor: Suharto
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