Challenging gender mainstreaming through the narrative of Islamic youth organization: A case study on Persis in Indonesia

ABSTRACT Implementing gender mainstreaming policies has become one important strategy for solving gender-based issues in society, especially in developing countries like Indonesia. However, one anomaly that becomes a concern in Indonesia’s gender mainstreaming strategy is how religious youth organizations would conflictingly react to this issue, as they may become a determining factor in how society would shift in dealing with gender issues. This study investigates the youth in Persis, a prominent Islamic youth organization in Indonesia, to understand gender mainstreaming in Indonesia. Using a qualitative approach and case study design, the study revealed that informants have doubts, skepticism, and slight conflict towards gender mainstreaming policies, due to misunderstandings and differences in personal and religious beliefs. This study provides insights into the gender mainstreaming views of a religious youth organization and how gender-based policies, programs, and research on gender have been and could be implemented in Indonesia.