Location
Surakarta, IndonesiaCity / national level work
City Level in Solo
Date Established
2015
Initiated By
Grassroots / community
Type of initiative
Community group
Areas of work
Education, Gender equality, Health and mental health, Jobs and economic opportunities, Safety and SecurityCollaborating initiatives
SEAFAM; WFA; NOPU; Jakarta Feminist
PUKAPS (In-depth case study)
PUKAPS – In-depth case study:
Young People’s Participation in Shaping Urban Governance in Solo, Collaboration with PUKAPS
This in-depth case study report was written by MSc Social Development Practice (University College London, UK) students Mildred Zhi, Xuechao Tan, Liya Leykun, Ahma Khemal Pasha, Catherine Yang and Yueyao Zhao during their Overseas Practice Engagement in Surakarta, Indonesia in collaboration with the YUP project. The students were supported by local facilitators Novita Rohmana, Hana Amanatul Ummah and Putri Lestari.
Note: This report has been edited for presentation on the YUP website.
Overview
Pusat Kajian Perempuan Solo (Solo Women’s Study Centre) or PUKAPS is a grassroots community based in Solo, Surakarta, Indonesia established on May 8th 2017 by two university students. They actively work with feminist discourses, both spreading awareness of these, and also work on providing a safe space. In addition PUKAPS focuses on gender-based violence through advocating on regulation and challenging norms. At that time, they ran all of their programs with limited resources. The majority of activities were externally organised outside the university. PUKAPS has since had a sizeable outreach within the community with 13 current members, as 5 of the members are based in Jakarta with the rest of the members based in Solo. This community can be reached through this link https://linktr.ee/solopukap. But, the most effective digital tool to engage with their audience is through their Instagram Account, which is @solopukap.
Fig. 1. Online Profile Picture Of PUKAPS
1.0 Mission and objectives
As a nascent women-centric community, PUKAPS possesses a pivotal role in shaping urban governance by catalyzing awareness of gender discourse providing alternative forums and influencing decision-making processes by advocating for societal changes in relation to gender based violence (GBV).
Within PUKAPS, members advocate various objectives through their three divisions known as, the education & lore department, the advocacy department as well as external relations. By advocating for education on gender equality and combating sexual violence, through de-stigmatising, the community also partakes in fortifying women’s empowerment by cultivating inclusive spaces conducive towards idea-sharing and productive adjustments society can make in relation to women’s rights.
Amidst prevailing social and cultural norms within Indonesia, PUKAPS endeavours to establish alternative safe spaces. These spaces are designed to afford internal constituents unfettered access to education and advocacy for women’s rights and gender parity. Furthermore, the community prominently supports youth engagement initiatives, fostering comprehension and advocacy concerning gender discourse, women’s empowerment, and sexual violence. Given the lack of robust legal frameworks addressing these issues in Indonesia, compounded by an alarming escalation in sexual harassment incidents, PUKAPS undertakes advocacy efforts aimed at promulgating feminist movements that aim to address the lack of legislation.
Fig. 2. Illustration of PUKAPS internal departments
Part 1: Case Study Analysis
1.1 Context of the initiative’s focus
PUKAPS prioritises addressing gender inequality, stigmatisation, and women’s mental health due to the significant challenges women face in Solo, Indonesia. The social background and conditions in Solo highlight the necessity of these initiatives. Simultaneously PUKAPS focuses on forming supportive and empowering environments that address the unique challenges faced by women in the region. Through various educational and therapeutic programmes the goal is to address gender inequality, promote women’s rights, and support the mental health of women and girls in Solo, Indonesia.
In Solo, as in many parts of Indonesia, traditional gender roles and patriarchal norms often limit women’s opportunities for education, employment and personal development. These norms can lead to serious mental health problems such as low self-esteem, anxiety and depression. Women in Solo face gender-based violence and harassment, which can have long-term psychological effects and lead to a general sense of insecurity. Locally, women often have limited access to higher education and professional training, which restricts their economic opportunities and personal growth and creates socio-economic barriers for women. Employment discrimination also plagues the lives of local women, who often have limited access to employment opportunities and, when they do, face significant wage gaps and fewer opportunities for advancement compared to men.
Women in Indonesia, including Solo, are less likely to be employed in the formal sector, and when they are, they earn far less than men. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the medium gender pay gap within Indonesia is 23.1% (Chatani & Kazutoshi, 2020). Moreover, the educational attainment of Solo women lags behind that of men, with many girls dropping out of school due to economic pressures or cultural expectations, prioritising family responsibilities over education.
Fig. 3. PUKAPS collaborating with other organisations
In terms of mental health support, PUKAPS has organised workshops such as the FEMStride Safe Space Workshop, which uses art therapy to help women express and process their experiences of trauma and gender inequality. These workshops provide a platform for emotional release and community support to help women cope with the psychological effects of discrimination. Events such as the ‘Ruang Tukar Pikir’ discussion series focus on the impact of gender stigma on mental health and aim to educate the community and reduce stigma. In terms of educational empowerment, PUKAPS conducts training sessions and awareness campaigns to educate women about their rights and provide them with the skills to advocate for themselves. These initiatives aim to provide women with the knowledge and tools they need to challenge societal barriers and pursue their goals. By partnering with local universities and organisations, PUKAPS ensures that young women have access to educational resources and support networks.
Fig.4. UCL team members with PUKAPS
These collaborations help create opportunities for women to participate in academic and professional development. In Solo, other participants are also working together to address gender inequality, such as KAPAL Perempuan, Yayasan Pulih, which advocate for women’s rights and provide vocational training and counselling for women.
Gender inequality is a major issue in Solo, affecting all aspects of women and girls’ lives. Addressing this issue through targeted interventions can help improve their quality of life and mental health. There is a dearth of mental health resources dedicated to addressing the unique challenges women face, and PUKAPS fills this gap by providing safe spaces and therapeutic activities. Education is an important tool for empowerment, and PUKAPS focuses on educational activities that help women and girls
gain the knowledge and skills they need to challenge and overcome societal barriers. PUKAPS aims to create a more inclusive and equitable society for the women of Solo through a number of initiatives.
1.2 Timeline/History of PUKAPS
Fig. 5. Illustration of timeline
According to our interviews and focus group discussions the following information has been obtained.
The conception of PUKAPS was in 2015 according to its founder. During this period informal educational activities such as book reviews and debates on gender discourse. Feminism and its relationship with entities such as gender and legislation frameworks was also explored. From 2016 onwards PUKAPS gradually became more organised in terms of its educational activities. For instance, the reading house was established in which members can educate themselves on theoretical social theory & feminism. The founder notes that PUKAPS prides itself as a study centre to gain recognition from policymakers through supported evidence and validation from academia. Prior to 2017 PUKAPS heavily conducted its activities within the university however were penalised due to traits of feminism being in direct contradiction within prominent religious values within Indonesia.
PUKAPS had initiated the process of altering its internal structure whilst reaching out to other organisations that were women centric. This expansion also includes the formation of the instagram page in 2018 that is till this day an integral component for PUKAPS outreach. During this year collaborations with larger organisations such as Indonesia feminist occurred. PUKAPS prides itself in being an artistic community through its film reviews. In 2018 PUKAPS collaborated with Koleffi Larasati during the production of a film named cook egg which tackles issues surrounding abortion. In 2019 PUKAPS initiated the internal expansion within their community through an open recruitment process in which two new divisions were formed between 2019-2020. These are the media and communications department as well as the education and lore division department. In 2020 PUKAPS concluded its collaboration with private hospitals in terms of aiding the reporting process for victims. PUKAPS published an advocacy report and garnered a donation from PLUR. During the pandemic PUKAPS exclusively conducted its activities virtually such as the online counseling for GBV victims, continuing to expand internally through the formation of the advocacy division. By 2022 PUKAPS were invited as public speakers to discuss GBV and published a zero violence report. Their instagram campaign and the SEA project both focused on gender education and educating the public through discourse. In 2023 PUKAPS continued its expansion within digital tools through its online sexual violence hotline as well as capacity building and collaborating with organisations such as NOPU for its instagram live sessions named fem live.
According to the interview conducted by YUP citizen scientists, in 2024 PUKAPS organised the first feminist festival in Solo. The festival consisted of a series of discussions about sexual and reproductive health through forums, film screenings, and exhibitions. The festival was a collaborative effort with a filmmaker community in Solo, Kembang Gula. At the end of 2024, PUKAPS officially launched their website and Femstride, delivered a multi-faceted program composed of workshops involving self-defense and public discourse on gender issues, and in the near future PUKAPS plans to publish academic outputs and comprehensive sexual education modules. They plan to collaborate with middle and high schools.
1.3 Constituency
The initial founding of PUKAPS was due to the lack of invited spaces within Solo that addressed GBV. There are eight members in Solo that are part of PUKAPS of whom the majority have suffered from GBV or know a close relative that has been affected. The founder L emphasises that PUKAPS is a space for trauma-healing for the members. The constituents within PUKAPS have various reasons and roles within the community. According to an interview conducted by YUP citizen scientists, PUKAPS initially struggled to transition its organisational branding from being centred on its founder to a more collective identity. However, as the organisation evolved, PUKAPS adopted a co-leadership structure, ensuring that decisions are made collectively. The founder’s role has shifted from founder to program director in 2019, this role involves networking and forming alliances. The motivation for forming PUKAPS was after founder members had experienced GBV and wanted to create a safe space for other women who have experienced a similar situation. All initiatives are aimed and addressed for the general public in Indonesia, the community itself heavily operates in Solo and has some members stationed in Jakarta.
Fig.6. Illustration of PUKAPS main activities
1.4 Main current activities
Since its conception in 2015, PUKAPS has been committed to fostering meaningful engagement with pertinent social issues. Formally established in 2017, the community has orchestrated a series of impactful initiatives aimed at addressing gender-based disparities. PUKAPS initial initiative entails a comprehensive review of scholarly literature, especially in the years 2017 to 2019. This endeavour underscores debating and discussing academic discourse pertaining to gender-based violence and fundamental tenets of feminist theory. PUKAPS cultivates an informed understanding among internal stakeholders and constituents, thereby fostering a collective effort against the pervasive stigmatisation within the community of Solo. Central to this initiative is the acquiring of knowledge pertaining to gender inequities, facilitated through critical analyses of literature, PUKAPS hopes to contribute to the scholarly discourse through publication in academic journals in order to gain legitimacy from policymakers and eventually gain increased funding.
Between the years 2017-19 PUKAPS explored gender issues through an artistic lens through reflective exercises such as reviewing films that tackle gender inequalities. Furthermore, the community has spearheaded self-defense training sessions and relevant workshops, notably in 2022 through its SEA project, in collaboration with the University of Nebraska. This initiative seeks to equip women with the requisite skills to autonomously confront and mitigate instances of gender-based violence. Through a curriculum encompassing practical techniques such as evasion manoeuvres and incapacitation tactics, participants are empowered to effectively navigate precarious situations and safeguard their well-being. PUKAPS is also part of a larger coalition between other non-governmental organisations that advocate for the advancement of national regulation on Sexual Violence crimes (RUU-TPKS).
Lastly, PUKAPS has instituted a long-term initiative known as femstride, introduced in 2023. This collaborative initiative, undertaken in partnership with allied organisations, endeavours to enrich feminist discourse through multifaceted engagement strategies. Central to its mandate is the facilitation of public discourse forums and workshops, aimed at augmenting understanding of feminist social theories and sustaining educational endeavours within the community. PUKAPS, through its multifaceted initiatives, remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing gender equality and fostering informed discourse on feminist principles and practices. PUKAPS also aim to publish zines annually, creatively showcasing knowledge and experience about sexual education and GBV in a suitable format for young audiences (YUP citizen scientist interviews).
1.5 Funding
Budget limitations is a key barrier for the running of PUKAPS initiatives. One reason for this problem is that they are not yet formally registered as an organisation. As a result, there have been obstacles in receiving funding, especially from the government institutions due to lack of recognition.Therefore there are various other attempts to secure alternative funding from external sources. So far, we noted that they have received three sources of funding from three different institutions, such as the University of Nebraska, the Southeast Asian Feminist Action Movement (SEAFAM) who donated 2 million IDR in 2022 and 2023 in relation to funding the sexual violence hotline. Women Fund Asia (WFA) also funds PUKAPS activity through an 8,000 USD donation. PUKAPS received the funding from those three institutions just for running a certain program, not for long-term funding. As a grassroots community, they are still faced with an insufficient budget for running whole initiatives and face a lack of funding within their administrators’ costs, the founder notably stated during the interview it is difficult to receive funding for the application to be recognised as a non-governmental organisation.
Fig.7. Diagram illustrating PUKAPS funding network
1.6 Model of Young People’s Participation.
PUKAPS can be understood as a claimed space that engages in spontaneous participation within urban governance. PUKAPS was conceived as a claimed space due to a deficit within Solo where victims of GBV had no formal space to discuss their trauma. As of 2018, PUKAPS aims to form alliances through networking with other women centric organisations such as Jakarta feminists. Models of collaborative engagement were formed on initiatives such as addressing the report system of GBV victims within hospitals. In 2019 PUKAPS established different departments along with open recruitment. This activity increased the number of PUKAPS members in which many current members joined in 2019.
PUKAPS seeks recognition from the government as a formal organisation which could enable access to policymakers and larger funding initiatives. PUKAPS was invited to participate in a forum for public discussion on sexual violence in 2022. Here it can be said that the participation was in the form of being recognised by the government as evidence of induced participation in public governance.
PUKAPS is driven by its founders and their experiences facing trauma. The founders and the members of PUKAPS are university students or have degrees. Members of PUKAPS are able to understand the mission and work in the direction of women’s empowerment and gender equality. These are the attributions of PUKAPS becoming a claimed space to participate in urban governance.
Fig.8. UCL team members with Solo members of PUKAPS
1.7 Challenges and supporting factors
Challenges and supporting factors are described both internally and externally to the organisation:
The main challenges within PUKAPS include that the activities on an annual basis are inconsistent as well as a lack of designated office space. A lack of time and energy was identified as the main challenge faced by the members. The external challenges faced by PUKAPS are many. Firstly, cultural norms and patriarchy that are deeply entrenched in traditional gender roles can make men and women who uphold traditional roles resistant to change. These cultural norms tend to undermine efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. This makes it difficult for PUKAPS to effectively implement progressive programs. Secondly, limited resources and funding; as a non-profit organisation, PUKAPS often struggles with limited funding, which restricts the scale and scope of its programs. This funding limitation hinders their ability to reach more women and sustain long-term programs. Competition for limited resources with other NGOs and community activities in the area further challenging their ability to operate. Third, facing legal and policy barriers, Indonesia’s legal framework, while improved, still lacks comprehensive protection of women’s rights, particularly with regard to gender-based violence and gender discrimination. Such legal shortcomings make it challenging to effectively advocate for and protect women’s rights. Even where progressive policies exist, implementation at the local level can be inconsistent, reducing the effectiveness of the support and protection provided to women. Finally, social stigma and the stigmatisation of mental health make it difficult for women to seek the help they need, and this stigma can hinder the effectiveness of PUKAPS mental health programs. At the same time, single-handed mental health professionals and services are scarce, and limited mental health services complicate efforts to provide adequate support to women in need.
The main support factor within PUKAPS is the need for members to have a place to discuss women’s rights and help women. Many of the members of PUKAPS have themselves experienced/witnessed sexual violence. Their desire to help others come out of the shadows of sexual violence and to protect women from sexual violence was the driving force behind the formation of the community. Secondly, there needs to be a safe place to talk about feminism and PUKAPS seeks to generate a safe place. The reason for this is that PUKAPS is an isolated community predominantly based online, where there is less government intervention and social pressure, this can aid in providing constituencies a safe space. PUKAPS also has effective external support, through its partnerships with a number of local organisations, such as the KORPRI PMII Solo and the KOHATI HMI Solo, which have provided PUKAPS significant support and expanded its efforts to promote gender equality and women’s rights. Partnerships with broader feminist networks, such as SEAFAM, can help strengthen its advocacy efforts and provide a larger platform for its initiatives. Partnerships with local universities can provide educational resources, research support, and a platform for young women to participate in their programs. These partnerships help to build a more informed and empowered female community in Solo. Support from international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and donors provides important funding and resources. In turn, these partnerships often lead to training and capacity-building opportunities that help PUKAPS improve its operational efficiency and program delivery. Efforts at the national and regional levels to reform policies related to gender equality and women’s rights have provided a more favourable environment for the work of PUKAPS.
Fig.9. Flowchart diagram highlighting PUKAPS challenges and supporting factors
1.8 Digital Tools
PUKAPS heavily relies on digital tools for implementing their initiatives. For instance the hotline, Femlive as well utilising social media platforms such as instagram to increase outreach for their initiatives such as femlive in which gender discourse is conducted as well as reaching out to constituencies to join their femstride initiatives in particular gain attraction for their self-defense workshop. Through Instagram the content is intentionally produced such as a short video or infographics related to their focus issues. They have an “eye-catching” content that is produced through their advocacy department. PUKAPS also try to be responsive to any contemporary issues which are related to gender discourses. They also frequently use one of Instagram’s features which is “Instagram-live” to hold public discussions. Utilising digital tools enables PUKAPS to reach members of the public that are impressionable and open to discourse.
Given the limitations that they face in their offline activities, they try to expand their beneficiaries through their online platform. Through this platform also, they can connect with other communities outside Solo who have the same concerns as them. For instance forming alliances with the group ‘Jakarta Feminist’ has also aided PUKAPS in networking with other NGOs. PUKAPS also use online meeting platforms such as Zoom and Google Meets for their internal meetings. All members of the community including those who are external to Solo can still be connected with them. In addition, they also have the online cloud storage for storing their data. Interestingly, a member stated every member is given access to that storage to read the documents and post any ideas they have for the community. Therefore it is possible for every member to make contributions despite even distance limitations.
Fig.10. PUKAPS and other organisations in celebrating Women’s Day
Part 2: Reflections and Lessons Learned towards youth participation in urban governance
2.1 What are the implications from the findings from Solo towards how young people’s participation in urban governance is conceptualised and framed in global debates?
The experiences of PUKAPS offer invaluable insights into the role of young people’s participation in urban governance. PUKAPS, a youth community dedicated to feminist discourse and gender-based violence advocacy, highlights the importance of youth-led initiatives in addressing critical social issues. This reflection delves into the implications of PUKAPS on global debates about youth participation in urban governance, the role of power relations, intersectionality, inclusive citizenship, and accountability in enhancing youth participation in urban affairs.
The activities and impact of PUKAPS highlight the potential of youth-led communities to influence urban governance. Globally, youth participation is often framed within the context of civic engagement, policy advocacy, and community development. Nevertheless, youth participation in urban governance in this research is understood precisely as the extent to which youth people are able to engage in day-to-day governance, and what barriers and challenges that affect young people from engaging in urban governance . PUKAPS exemplifies how grassroots initiatives can effectively address specific cultural and social issues, such as gender-based violence and women’s rights, which are often overlooked by mainstream governance structures. The potential for youth participation in urban governance can also be analysed in terms of inclusive citizenship. The cohesion of solidarity is reflected in PUKAPS as a group. Members with similar backgrounds are able to understand each other and work towards the mission of gender equality. Secondly, youth groups are an important time for self-identification, PUKAPS was formed and activated by a group of young people who realised the injustice towards women in Indonesian society. In Indonesia, the issue of GBV is often not recognised by the public. As a result, women can be excluded from citizenship and are not treated as equals, and PUKAPS’ search for equity is an example to be followed by women’s movements in other countries. For example, PUKAPS was founded outside of the university because the university did not allow them to discuss feminism, but over time PUKAPS has received cooperation and support from the university.
Another key implication is the necessity of recognising members’ motivations and backgrounds. PUKAPS’ members are driven by personal experiences with gender-based violence and a collective desire to create safe and inclusive spaces for women to share their thoughts without being criticised and judged, as publicly discussing such a topic is considered liberal and unconventional. Many members reveal the same experience that they have faced political criticism. This is probably due to the tabooing of the discussion of sexual violence, “not only in educational institutions but also in the family, leading to inadequate sexual education” (Arnez and Budianta, 2024). In Indonesian context, the fear of being stigmatized as a victim of sexual violence if the case is openly handled is justified, as there is a inclination that institutions would blame the victim rather than assist the victim or hold the perpetrator accountable. Members have also revealed that the victims of GBV are unwilling to report cases due to the potential stigma for the victim and their family; in addition to this, there is an uncertainty whether the case will be prosecuted. Both PUKAPS members and an interviewee from the KK Foundation have pointed out that not all sexual cases will lead to the legal process, as some victims are pressured to reconcile or even get married because of child pregnancy, stigma, and government’s interest to control the sexual violence cases. As mentioned in part 1, PUKAPS has engaged in various ways to educate the community in terms of women’s rights, sexual harassment, and self-defense traning, in an effect to eradicate social taboo about gender-based violence and empower women through education in gender study. PUKAPS has spoken out about the need for safe areas, but the Government has not taken this issue seriously and believes that providing additional spaces will increase costs. Young people are left to set up their own claimed space for discussions on gender equality and sexual violence, such as PUKAPS.
2.2 How do wider agendas for inclusive youth participation in urban governance reflect the lessons learned from Solo?
Our engagement in Solo highlights several lessons that can inform broader agendas for inclusive youth participation in urban governance. The first being PUKAPS’ emphasis on safe spaces for discussion and support is crucial. For youth participation to be genuinely inclusive, it must provide environments where marginalized voices feel secure and valued. This approach can be extended to other urban contexts to ensure that youth from diverse backgrounds can engage meaningfully. It can also enhance segments of the population that are underrepresented in traditional governance structures. Involving marginalized groups in youth urban governance is essential for the development of inclusive, equitable and effective policies. It empowers individuals to participate in urban governance, improves policy outcomes, fosters social cohesion and increases the legitimacy and accountability of governance processes. By ensuring that all voices are heard and taken into account, urban governance can be a powerful tool for promoting social justice and sustainable development.
A second lesson relates to leveraging digital platforms, since PUKAPS mostly implements projects virtually, it effectively uses social media and online platforms to reach a broader audience and facilitate participation. This demonstrates the importance of integrating digital tools into youth engagement strategies, especially in urban areas where access to technology can enhance connectivity and participation. Over the years of advocating for women’s rights, PUKAPS has built partnerships, PUKAPS’ collaborations with local and international organisations, such as SEAFAM and WFA, show the value of partnerships in amplifying youth voices and expanding their impact. Urban governance initiatives should foster such collaborations to leverage resources, expertise, and networks. Over the years, along with other women’s rights organisation, they had advocated for the Undang-Undang Tindak Pidana Kekerasan Seksual (UU TPKS). This is the Sexual Violence Bill that Indonesia’s House of representatives passed on 9 May 2022, seeking to protect victims of sexual violence crimes and help them with the recovery process (Indonesia: Parliament passes sexual violence bill, 2022). Officers from the Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) once said that the bill is able to better protect the victims of GBV and provide justice for victims through legal means. Thus, it is evident that collaborations with other organizations and collective action can be a powerful tool for young people in terms of participation and influence on urban governance.
Third lesson is to empower youth with the knowledge and skills to participate effectively in urban governance. The PUKAPS experience highlights the importance of education and capacity-building programs to empower youth, educate youth on civic responsibility, and train them in leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement to equip them with the skills they need to participate effectively in urban governance. The organisation of the education and capacity building program by PUKAPS is an example of how PUKAPS is working with universities. Workshop activities and university partnerships are exemplary. These approaches can be replicated globally to build a knowledgeable and empowered youth community that can contribute meaningfully to urban development.
2.3 How can the lens of power relations, intersectionality, inclusive citizenship, and insurgent practices contribute to the advancement of youth participation in urban governance in Solo?
To advance youth participation in urban governance, it’s essential to consider power relations, intersectionality, and inclusive citizenship. PUKAPS provides a lens through which these concepts can be examined and applied. Understanding the dynamics of power is crucial to promoting inclusive youth participation in urban governance. PUKAPS navigates the power structures within Solo, challenging patriarchal norms and advocating for women’s rights. This highlights the need for youth participation initiatives to address power imbalances and create opportunities for marginalized groups, such as the Indonesian context of women in this case, to influence decision-making processes. Asymmetrical power relations and gender inequality are often the impulses for sexual violence, which have been argued by Arnez and Budianta (2024) as significant contributors to the perpetuation of sexual violence, particularly in religious schools. Furthermore, PUKAPS’ focus on gender-based violence and women’s rights underscores the importance of an intersectional approach. Recognising the interconnectedness of gender, socio-economic status, and other identities can help urban governance initiatives address the unique challenges faced by different groups. This ensures that policies and programs are more inclusive and equitable. The demographic composition of PUKAPS is consistent, with the majority being between the ages of 21 and 25, female, Javanese, Muslim, and college graduates. However, while most members join PUKAPS because of the collective desire to create safe and inclusive spaces, there is one member precisely expressing that being a minority ethnic is part of the motivation to join PUKAPS because being an ethnic minority and woman is challenging, so she wanted to make friends. As argued by Gonzalez, “being women is already vulnerable” (2020, p.113). Therefore, she is fighting not only as a woman but also as part of minority groups such as ethnic and religious minority groups in Solo. She has suffered not only stigmatisation as a woman but also intersects with her background as a minority group.
Drawing on the concept of intersectionality proposed by Crenshaw (1991), it should be carefully noted that suffering from multiple forms of inequality and oppression because their identities might disengage young people from participating in such youth groups as PUKAPS. From our survey, we see the majority of them are in the dominant group, or at least not identified as a minority in regards to their social identities. It reminds us that people facing intersecting oppressions in Solo might face barriers and challenges to engaging in youth groups, such as stigmatisation.
Fig.11. UCL team members with Solo members of PUKAPS
References:
Arnez, M. and Budianta, M. (eds) (2024) Gender, Islam and Sexuality in contemporary Indonesia. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-5659-3.
Crenshaw, K. (1991) ‘Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color,’ Stanford Law Review, 43(6), p. 1241. https://doi.org/10.2307/1229039.
Figure 1, (2024) Solo PUKAPS Instagram Page, Solo Pukap. Available at: https://www.instagram.com/solopukap/ (Accessed: May 2024).
Figure 2, (2024) Group, 5, Mind mapping and brainstorming tool. Available at: https://xmind.app/ (Accessed: May 2024).
Figure 3, (2024) PUKAPS collaborating with other organisations. Available at: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6Bj_6IJQ16/?igsh=dmlsOTB6aXRyZ3J6 (Accessed: May 2024).
Figure 4, (2024) Group 5 & PUKAPS, Solo [Original Photograph].
Figure 5, (2024) Group 5 poster. Available at : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ywAaj_I8G5bV8LAHBia-CDPFYuAGNTpsBKda4O6zelc/edit?usp=sharing
Figure 6, (2024) Group 6 poster . Available at : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ywAaj_I8G5bV8LAHBia-CDPFYuAGNTpsBKda4O6zelc/edit?usp=sharing
Figure 7, (2024) Group, 5, Mind mapping and brainstorming tool. Available at: https://xmind.app/ (Accessed: May 2024).
Figure 8, (2024) Group 5 & PUKAPS, Solo [Original Photograph].
Figure 9, (2024) Group, 5, Mind mapping and brainstorming tool. Available at: https://xmind.app/ (Accessed: May 2024).
Fig.10. PUKAPS and other organisations in celebrating Women’s Day. Available at:
Figure 11, (2024) Group 5 & PUKAPS, Solo [Original Photograph].
Gonzalez, C.G. (2020) ‘Racial capitalism, climate justice, and climate displacement,’ Oñati Socio-legal Series, 11(1), pp. 108–147. https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl/0000-0000-0000-1137.
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