Gender and Politics in Post-Reformasi Indonesia: Women Leaders within Local Oligarchy Networks

Abstract

Gender and Politics in Post-Reform Indonesia: Women Leaders within Local Oligarchy Networks examines the status of women in post-reform local politics, the influence of local oligarchy networks, and the performance of women leaders in promoting local democracy and gender equality. The book is an edited collection focusing on the emergence of two female leaders, Airin Rachmi Diany as Mayor of South Tangerang and Anna Sophanah as Regent of Indramayu. First, the book discusses the social, political, economic, and historical conditions that have facilitated the emergence of two female political figures in family politics at the local level. Second, it discusses and compares the performance of Airin Rachmi Diany and Anna Sophanah as the two female figures in family ties to encourage local democracy and ‘practical’ gender interests. In the text, ‘practical’ gender interests are related to the different practical needs of women to fulfil their gendered roles, such as a wife, mother, and so on. For example, the need for better health facilities for childbirth and the need for better education for women in schools (68). The book consists of seven chapters, beginning with an introduction