UNS – The Professor Council of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta organized the 5th Podium of Ideas themed “Women’s Contributions in Policy Making”. This theme coincided with the commemoration of Kartini Day, which fell on April 21st. The event was held online via the Zoom Cloud Meeting application and broadcast live on UNS’s official YouTube channel on Tuesday (23/4/2024).

Prof. Drs. Suranto Tjiptowibisono, M.Sc, Ph.D., the Chairman of the UNS Professor Council, praised the intuitive abilities of R.A. Kartini, which have broadened the horizons of Indonesian women to this day. Indeed, her knowledge has crossed oceans and traversed several continents.

“The ideas penned by her have been conveyed to her friends in the Netherlands. It was forward-thinking and visionary, aiming to uplift her people, who were then steeped in feudal Javanese culture,” Prof. Suranto said.

The Acting Rector of UNS, Dr. Chatarina Muliana G., S.H., S.E., M.H., as one of the speakers, shared how she balanced her roles at home and at work. She sees her career as a trust and an opportunity to be grateful for. Interestingly, Dr. Chatarina’s career as a civil servant (ASN) was not something she aspired to from the beginning. Initially, she wanted to venture into business and become an entrepreneur. The push to pursue a career as an ASN came from her mother’s advice.

The key to successfully balancing household and work roles for her is the support of her husband. When starting a family, Dr. Chatarina admitted to receiving positive support for her career. Her husband’s role was crucial in bringing her to her current position.

“I always do whatever is in front of me wholeheartedly. Whatever feels difficult, I can overcome it. Even though it’s slow, I’ll definitely get through it,” Dr. Chatarina said.

She also shared her experiences regarding women’s roles in decision-making and policymaking, especially within government agencies. She found many positive aspects where women always receive equal treatment and are trusted to fill important positions.

For Dr. Chatarina, it’s not something to worry about if women take on important roles. Women, she believes, have strengths in intuition and emotions. In making a policy, women can sense what the recipients of the policy or services will gain.

This podium of ideas also invited several other speakers. Present were the Head of the Research and Community Service Institute (LPPM) UNS, also a professor at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) UNS, Prof. Dr. Fitria Rahmawati, S.Si. M.Si.; and Prof. Dr. Sri Sulistyowati, dr., Sp.OG(K), the Chair of the UNS Academic Senate and Professor at the Faculty of Medicine (FK) UNS. The event was moderated by Prof. Dr. Ir. MTH. Sri Budiastuti, M.Si. and Prof. Dr. Ir. Endang Yunastuti, M.Si.

Another story was shared by Prof. Sri Sulistyowati, affectionately known as Prof. Sulis. She sees discipline as the key to managing time amidst busy schedules. Her discipline is used in carrying out her profession as a doctor and lecturer, her responsibility as the Chair of the UNS Academic Senate, and managing household affairs. Additionally, current technology makes communication easier for her, allowing her to handle various matters from a distance.

“In essence, to manage time, we must be disciplined and have priorities,” Prof. Sulis said succinctly.

Equally important, the third speaker on the podium of ideas, Prof. Fitria, carries out an extraordinary role. Two out of the three pillars of higher education under LPPM are now under her responsibility. As a woman immersed in the academic world, challenges await her and the units in LPPM UNS. She revealed that UNS’s strategic plan (renstra) for 2025-2029 is to project itself as one of the top 700 universities in the world.

“Together, we believe that every problem has a solution. God will not burden His servants beyond their capacity. That principle needs to be believed,” Prof. Fitria said.

Humas UNS