Kartini Day is celebrated every April 21 in Indonesia to commemorate women's emancipation activist R.A. Kartini.
"Inspiration and aspiration from Ms. Kartini, I think, have grown quite well in Indonesia. However, in the implementation, if there are still many shortcomings, it is our job to correct it," Effendy said here on Friday.
According to the minister, so far, policies on the protection and empowerment of women in Indonesia have been regulated by law and through the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection.
"Currently, Indonesia is also the chair of the ASEAN Summit 2023, and one of the agendas strived for is the protection of migrant workers, especially women in ASEAN," he said.
The minister also noted that the government has initiated the Domestic Workers' Protection Bill (PPRT bill) to offer protection to domestic workers, who are currently dominated by women.
On March 21, 2023, the House of Representatives (DPR) approved the PPRT bill as an initiative bill during its 19th plenary meeting of session period IV of the 2022–2023 session year.
This year, Kartini Day coincides with Eid al-Fitr commemorated by some Muslims in Indonesia, especially those under the Muhammadiyah Muslim organization.
Earlier, Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas said that this year's Eid al-Fitr is a present and a blessing for Indonesian women.
"Alhamdulillah (thank God), some of our brothers and sisters will celebrate Eid al-Fitr on the same day as Kartini Day. This is a present for Indonesian women," Qoumas remarked on Tuesday (April 18, 2023).
The minister expressed the hope that in the spirit of Eid al-Fitr, Indonesian women will become more empowered and independent, as one meaning of Eid al-Fitr is to free oneself.
Related news: This year's Eid al-Fitr a blessing for Indonesian women: Qoumas
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Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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