The citizenship of Indonesian Women encompasses three affiliated issues: membership of a political community, the rights and obligations associated with that membership, and participation by those members in the life of that polity (Blackburn, 1). These three issues are discussed in relation to Indonesian women's experience in the twentieth century. The membership of Indonesian Women in society has been a struggle to define because the state has been reluctant to deal with women on an individual basis. It is believed that personal and family laws should be left to religious courts. Also, gender roles implemented on women limit them in the opportunities that they can acquire and they are responsible to fulfill their duties as citizens while obtaining few rights. In addition, political participation has been severely limited for women because of their gender and lack of education. Despite these hindrances, greater opportunities and better education for these women will aid them in their struggle for their rights.
In the last couple of years women have had greater opportunities for political organization and expression. Now, women are exerting more of their rights as citizens. They have begun to form modern organizations to pursue their own concerns, local concerns, and international ideas as well. Even though a small amount of progress is evident Indonesia needs to accommodate gender differences within its notion of citizenship in order to ensure that women continue to gain more equality (Blackburn, 1).
In the constitution created in 1945 it is stated (Chapter X, Article 27): "Without any exception all citizens shall have equal position in Law and government." Yet as a result of ethnic and religious groups having their own traditions of gender rights and responsibilities it is difficult for the government to exert control over the membership of women in the society. This is a result of the fact that women's membership of family, religion and ethnic groups is more important than that of the polity.
