Episode 69: Catatan Sejarah Feminisme — A Conversation with Olin Monteiro (Repeat)

Swedian’s out with a back injury (update: not broken as Stephanie said, but still pretty bad) so while we wish him a quick and full recovery, we’re replaying our episode with Olin Monteiro, in light of the recent Women’s March in April. Hope you enjoy!

In this episode, Swedian talks to Olin Monteiro, an Indonesian feminist activist who’s been working in the space for 30-odd years. We talk about how she got started in feminism, from her college years when she was exposed to the fight against sexual violence and the older generation of feminists, to her current relationship with the younger generation of feminists in groups such as the Jakarta Feminist Discussion Group. We discuss extensively how this issue of sexual violence has developed over the last few decades and the growing number of organizations that have emerged alongside the growing movement. We also talk about this “missing history” of women’s history in Indonesia, in particular how important women were to the progressive and liberal fights against authoritarian powers, from the Dutch colonizers to the New Order, as well as the amazing stories of women throughout Indonesian history who have always been fighting the patriarchy.

Finally, Olin shares her hopes for the new generation of Indonesian feminists to continue educating themselves about the rich history and culture of women’s rights and activism in this beloved country of ours. #thefutureisfemale
 

NOTE: THIS EPISODE IS IN INDONESIAN.

 
Thanks for listening!

For those interested in learning more about the topic, we’ve provided links to resources as well as other recommended readings.
Hollaback Jakarta — A movement to end harassment in public spaces powered by local activists
Yayasan Kalyanamitra — one of the earliest feminist organizations in Indonesia, founded in 1985
Komnas Perempuan — the National Commission on Violence Against Women, founded in 1998
Rifka Annisa — first founded as a women’s crisis center, it has now grown to help rehabilitate sexual violence offenders and continue to support the victims
The ‘Motherhood’ Strategy of Indonesia’s Suara Ibu Peduli — the importance of organizations like Suara Ibu Peduli (translated as Voice of Concerned Mothers) in fighting for women’s rights during the months prior to May 1998
The First Indonesian Women’s Congress of 1928 — scholar Susan Blackburn’s comprehensive history into the landmark meeting of women activists in 1928, prior to Indonesian independence
Women and the Politics of Gender in Post-Conflict Timor-Leste — courtesy of Google Books
Important Indonesian Feminists to Know: Gadis Arivia, Karlina Supelli, Cut Nyak Dien, Martha Christina Tiahahu, Siti Musdah Mulia
 
 
 
MUSIC CREDITS:
SOUL HIGH by RYAN LITTLE
MONTMARTRE by JAHZAAR
NIGHT OWL and THE GREAT by BROKE FOR FREE