Beyond Numbers: Female Political Representation in Indonesia’s National and Local Parliaments

Abstract

This study investigates the patterns and challenges of women’s representation in Indonesia’s national and local parliaments. Despite the implementation of a 30% gender quota, women’s substantive influence remains constrained by patriarchal norms, institutional barriers, and uneven regional dynamics. Through a qualitative approach grounded in document analysis and thematic interpretation, this research explores how gender quotas, political party practices, and electoral systems shape women’s access to power. The findings reveal that while quotas have improved numerical representation, structural and cultural factors continue to hinder meaningful participation. In local settings, religious conservatism and traditional gender roles intensify disparities. Political parties and electoral mechanisms act as gatekeepers, limiting opportunities for women not embedded in patronage networks. This study contributes to feminist institutionalist theory and intersectional political analysis by integrating national and local perspectives. It concludes that gender equity in politics requires systemic reform, political education, and cultural transformation beyond legal mandates.