“The population of East Java in 2025 reached 42.08 million, with women accounting for 50.17 percent. This is both a tremendous strength and a challenge that must be managed wisely to support inclusive and sustainable development,” Khofifah said in a statement.
She pointed to steady progress in gender-related indicators, noting that East Java’s Gender Development Index (IPG) stood at 93.05 in 2024, higher than the national average of 92.46, reflecting improvements in education, health and economic participation.
At the same time, the province’s Gender Inequality Index (IKG) fell to 0.347 in 2024 from 0.423 a year earlier.
“This figure is well below the national average of 0.421, placing East Java among provinces with the lowest gender inequality in the country,” she added.
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Khofifah said women’s representation in the East Java legislature has reached 20 percent, while female labor force participation stands at 60.64 percent. However, she acknowledged persistent challenges, including violence against women and children, child marriage and stunting.
To address these issues, the provincial government continues to strengthen prevention and empowerment policies through the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children (UPTD PPA) and Family Learning Centers (PUSPAGA), she said.
Meanwhile, Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Choiri Fauzi said National Mother’s Day, commemorated annually on December 22, remains a milestone for Indonesia’s women’s movement and highlights women’s central role in family and nation-building.
"Governor Khofifah, as the first woman to lead East Java, is extraordinary,” the minister said, urging all stakeholders to reinforce religious and moral values as a foundation for building just, resilient and sustainable families, communities and the nation.
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Translator: Willi, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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