Jakarta – Women's activists and leading figures urged candidates in Jakarta's forthcoming gubernatorial race to address women's issues and gender equality in the city.

Valina Singka, a political expert at the University of Indonesia, Nita Yudi, chairwoman of the Indonesian Businesswoman Association (Iwapi), and Mariana Amiruddin, a commissioner at the National Commission for Women, led the Women Vote for Jakarta discussion event hosted by BeritaSatu News Channel at Lippo Mall Kemang in South Jakarta on Saturday (26/11).

Valina said the city must do more to respect and appreciate women. "Maternity leave should be added from three to six months. And we need compulsory breastfeeding rooms as well," she said.

Nita said the Iwapi had urged candidates to commit to the small- and medium-sized businesses which are expected to form a foundation of the country's economy in the future.

She called on the candidates to use their profile to politically educate women rather than just gather support.

"For us, a handsome or not handsome candidate is never a problem. We need someone to handle the city and its complicated problems. We need a great leader," Nita said.

Okky Asokawati, a spokeswoman for the Agus Yudhoyono-Sylviana Murni pair, said the team is preparing a big change for women in the city.

Virgie Barker, representing incumbent pair Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama and Djarot Saiful Hidayat, said the pair has made huge changes in the city which most residents recognize.

"For those Jakarta residents who have felt the positive impacts from Basuki and Djarot's works, please come to polling station on Feb. 15 to vote for them amid these stormy obstacles," Virgie said.

Rahayu Saraswati, who was campaigning on behalf of Anies Baswedan and Sanidaga Uno, said both candidates are committed to respecting women, citing both having been raised by women.

"Anies and Sandi are not merely men who understand women, they honor women. They are able to afford pro-women programs like breastfeeding rooms and longer maternity leave," Rahayu said.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/putting-womens-issues-jakarta-gubernatorial-agenda/