Ade Mardiyati – Despite Raden Ajeng Kartini, Indonesia's pioneering women's right advocate, advancing the cause of feminism in this country, the truth of the matter is that Indonesian women still have a long way to go to truly achieve equality, or even basic safety, on Jakarta's streets.

Some women feel trapped in predetermined social roles that define themselves as objects and possessions, not persons with equal rights.

The trials of modern working women are often complicated by their many responsibilities, such as taking care of their children, fulfilling domestic roles and juggling their careers.

With Kartini Day coming up on Saturday, four Indonesian women spoke with the Jakarta Globe about their thoughts, concerns and hopes for a better life and a better Indonesia.

Here's a snapshot of what those women – perhaps a cross-section of Indonesian women in general – want from life and their leaders.

Angelin Sumendap, 29, communications consultant

I'd like to see more equality for women in this heavily patriarchal society, which would mean reaching the 30 percent quota for women in parliament, providing more access to education for girls and at the same time giving real punishment to men who still think rape is caused by the way women dress.

I'd also like to live in a society where the question "when are you getting married?" is no longer repeatedly asked to 20-something women, as if it's our main goal in life. I'd also love to see more women reaching the top of the ladder in their careers without neglecting their domestic lives. This would entail some support, starting with little things like providing a day-care in office buildings where moms without nannies can bring their children to the office and work without interruption, or to give mothering professionals flexible hours.

Lastly, I'd like to see more resilient women who are no longer trapped in the "Cinderella complex," where we tend to wait for our non-existent knights in shining armor. Aristotle once said that happiness depends on ourselves, and I believe that this ideology still stands the test of time.

Indri Nugraha, 27, office assistant

As a mother of two young children, with one of my kids in primary school and the other in PAUD [preschool], I am very concerned about tuition fees. At the moment, I don't have to pay for my son's tuition for primary school, but when he gets to junior high school, unless he gets a scholarship, I will have to pay for his fees.

I always think about my children's future and whether or not I can afford it until they at least finish high school. My husband doesn't have a steady job – he collects and sells wrecks. Sometimes he takes home money, other times he comes home with empty hands. Today he may earn Rp 500,000 ($55), but then the next two weeks he earns nothing.

So, for me, if I could have one wish granted by the government, it would be for free school until high school is completed. I get frustrated when I think about that, because I believe that education is very important for my children.

Apart from that, my job as a contract-based office assistant also puts me in a difficult position. I don't have access to health insurance and can be terminated at any time without advance notice and without severance pay. I really hope that the government will one day eliminate the contract-based system.

The feeling of security is what really matters for me as a citizen. Unfortunately, it has not happened yet.

Marissa Anita, 29, journalist and anchor at Metro TV

I have so many hopes for Indonesia, but I'd like to focus on one thing that I think is most important in our incredibly diverse nation.

The government has to celebrate diversity and must strongly oppose groups who want to impose one narrow set of beliefs on everyone. I think Indonesia's greatest strength is its national slogan "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" ("Unity in Diversity"). Indonesia has amazing diversity and this is a great asset, not a cause for conflict or hatred.

I want the government to allow true religious freedom, where anyone can choose any religion in line with their conscience as long as they don't harm or threaten anyone else. I want [the government] to support and promote true acceptance of all Indonesia's cultures and oppose any attempt to impose ridiculous standards of morality or politeness. At the moment, I sense the government is so afraid of offending vocal hard-line groups that it's failing to protect the rights, beliefs and traditions of many minorities. We're rapidly losing our tolerant and moderate national character, which used to be a tremendous source of pride.

I dream of a time when it is no longer necessary for places of worship to be guarded and checked for bombs. It's tremendously sad that this has become normal.

Ni Luh Made Setyani Pertiwi, 33, housewife

I simply want to be seen as a subject rather than an object. Why? I once read an article about how we, as women, have to behave ourselves to make our husbands happy, so that they will love us more.

For me, the article was just a joke! Why would we have to do such a thing? We have to know exactly what's best for ourselves and how we can improve our lives, so that others, including our husbands, realize that we have the right to be respected and appreciated as equals.

And if the result of what we've done is other people's happiness, that won't be the main output; it's simply a bonus. What's more important is that we are happy doing it, without worrisome thoughts regarding what other's think. I hope that more women will realize what they truly deserve.