Remarkable women in
Indonesia

Stories

We take an in-depth look at the individual and collective experiences of women workers in public transport in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Why Indonesia?

Jakarta is going through a major period of public transport expansion, designed to reduce congestion, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the city. While these are welcome environmental aims, it is crucial that the interests and perspectives of public transport workers are made central to these changes. From 2021 to 2023, the ITF ran a project funded by the Dutch donor Mondiaal FNV to support the organising of public transport workers (including women and young workers) to respond to the evolution of the Jakarta public transport system.

As a result of this project, women workers from across the participating unions were able to connect with each other and share their experiences and demands for change. This group of women activists is the core of participants in the subsequent GIZ-funded Remarkable Women Who Move the World project. They have been taking part in a range of theatre-based activities organised by the local provider selected to run the project, the Society of Indonesian Art Activists (MPSI), reflecting on their experiences as the women who keep Jakarta’s public transport system moving.

Introducing the work, Beryl Ivana Chua MC says “This performance presents a deep and emotional story about the struggles of female transportation workers in Jakarta. The women express their grievances, hopes, tears and happiness they experience, with enthusiasm and determination.”

“I have vowed to myself that for the years I have been a transportation worker that I will not stop here”

Talking about her experience of having to carry out some of her job standing on the streets for some bus routes Mrs Rela Artika of Jakarta Transport Workers Union SPTJ said: “When the weather is hot, we are hot. When it rains, we get rained on. Men will stop and say they don’t want my help, they just want to get to know me. This is disturbing, and this is harassment, isn’t it?”

Mrs Sri Suhatini, of the Strong Women Drivers’ Union SDWK said: “My message to women wanting to work in the sector is not to be afraid. But I would also advise the government to pay attention to our welfare, our safety and also our health.”

“As women workers we can join together to achieve our rights.”

In a message of hope for the future Mrs Saskita, of the Jakarta Metro System Workers’ Union SPMRT commented: “I hope that all land, sea and air transportation companies in Indonesia will come together to fulfil all rights and equality for all workers, especially female transportation workers, Hopefully this is not just my aspiration, but the aspiration of all transportation workers in Indonesia.”

The work will be part of educational materials to be prepared for discussions with urban transport affiliates, allied organizations and multilateral institutions that work in public transportation. ­­

Women transport workers move the world – and yet they are underrepresented when it comes to decision-making.

Eric Campos, ITF Urban Transport Committee Chair