Study Dissemination: Unveiling Realities, Challenges, and Policy Gaps Faced by Young Women in Remote and Island Regions

Bandung, 27 February 2025 – AKATIGA, in collaboration with Parahyangan Catholic University (UNPAR), held the final dissemination of its study titled “Studi Kebijakan dan Realitas Kehidupan Perempuan Muda Marginal di Daerah Terpencil Kepulauan terkait Kepemimpinan Lokal, Layanan Dasar, dan Kesempatan Kerja” (Policy Study and Life Realities of Marginalized Young Women in Remote and Island Regions: Local Leadership, Basic Services, and Employment Opportunities). Supported by the Australia-Indonesia Partnership Towards an Inclusive Society (INKLUSI), the event was held online via Zoom on February 27, 2025. The aim was to deepen public understanding and raise awareness of the lived experiences of young women in these geographically isolated areas.

Around 70 participants joined the event, representing a wide range of backgrounds—including civil society organizations, academics, government agencies, NGOs, and the general public. The event opened with a keynote speech from Amurwani Dwi Lestariningsih, Deputy for Gender Equality at the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, who welcomed the study as a meaningful step forward for young women in Indonesia.

The program was divided into two main sessions, with a poetry reading by E. A. Satya Dewi (UNPAR) in between. The first session featured inspiring testimonies from Fitri Ramadani (Pangkajene Islands) and Heni Tonengan (Morotai Island), two young women from island communities who shared their personal experiences navigating social challenges and playing active roles in community-driven change. The Young Women’s School—an initiative by KAPAL Perempuan and the Yayasan Kajian Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Sulawesi Selatan (YKPM)—was a turning point for both speakers, helping shift their perspectives and strengthen their awareness and agency.

“Young women have immense potential to be agents of change. When given space and opportunities, they can bring about real impact in their communities. Social transformation doesn’t happen on its own—it must be collectively fought for,” said Fitri from the Pangkajene Islands.

In her response, Budhis Utami, Director of KAPAL Perempuan, emphasized that positive change in the lives of women will only grow stronger with sustained commitment to consciousness-building education and empowerment.

The second session focused on the study’s key findings, presented by Yulia Indrawati Sari (UNPAR). She highlighted the systemic barriers that young women in remote island areas face, particularly in accessing education, employment, and leadership opportunities. The study found that limited infrastructure and economic options often push young women into early marriage, significantly narrowing their life choices.

On the policy front, the study revealed that both national and local youth-focused programs tend to be gender-neutral, failing to address the specific needs of young women in these regions. Budget constraints and implementation challenges further complicate the situation. Nevertheless, local communities and grassroots organizations have played a crucial role in strengthening young women’s agency. Initiatives such as the Young Women’s School, legal aid, and skills training programs provided by organizations like LBH PA Morotai and YKPM have helped open pathways for young women to make informed decisions about their lives.

A representative from BAPPENAS (the Ministry of National Development Planning), Directorate of Family, Women, Youth, and Sports, acknowledged the study as a valuable, evidence-based contribution to policy development—especially in advancing gender equality and the empowerment of young women. Ni Luh Putu Maitra Agastya (PUSKAPA UI) emphasized the importance of involving young women as active participants in development, while Prof. Akmaliyah Yoesoef (UIN Sunan Gunung Djati) underlined the need to uphold children’s rights and promote faith-based interpretations that prioritize justice and wellbeing in addressing child marriage.

The overall discussion reaffirmed that young women in remote and island areas continue to face significant limitations in their life choices. While government policies and programs hold great potential for expanding access and opportunities, community-based approaches have proven to be more effective in building their capacity and independence. Charina Chazali, Executive Director of AKATIGA and lead coordinator of the research team, stressed the importance of strong collaboration between government, civil society organizations, and local communities. With a shared commitment, young women can move beyond being mere figures in demographic statistics and truly thrive as contributors to society.

[Read the full study report here (in Indonesian): Policy Study and Life Realities of Young Women in Remote and Island Regions]