The Gender Role in Local Governmental Institution (A Study of Malang Local Governmental Institution, East Java)

Abstract

Objective - This research aims to examine the issue of gender equality in nations who adopt a patriarchal value system, such as Indonesia, where the opportunity for woman to participate in government is relatively limited. The governance implemented in Indonesia, both central and local level, tend to adhere to the principles of "Good Governance". Inherent in these principles is the principle of gender equality, which aims to provide all citizens with the opportunity to improve and maintain their prosperity. Methodology/Technique - This research focuses on 2 main questions, namely: what is the role and position of woman in local government in Kota Malang? and what is the strategy and obstacles faced in improving the role of women? The method used in this research is descriptive research with a qualitative approach. The data was collected through documentation, interviews and observation. The data was analyzed using Miles and Huberman's interactive model, namely: data reduction, data display and conclusion. Findings - The results show that the role of woman in making public policy is limited to participation as a consulting member only, with no ability to influence the material substance of they policy. Further, it seems that illiteracy of women in the area remains high, and only a marginal number of women currently occupy higher positions in the government. Further, the election of a woman to the position of Mayor had no significant effect on the rate of gender equality. Novelty - This research suggests that there is a need for increased representation of woman in politics, either in legislative, judicative or executive branches of government, a need to develop a local rule (PERDA) to include woman in governmental affairs, the need to amend the current governmental system to a more justice-focused system, in order to support the legal system by supporting small groups and balance values and morality by increasing representation of women across all sectors. Type of Paper: Empirical. Keywords: Gender; Local Governmental Institution; Good Government. JEL Classification: M10. M19.