Gender and Social policy: Indonesian Local Wisdom on Character Building
Indonesia has experienced various conflicts and disasters, many social, economic and political reforms, impressive economic growth and is one of the fastest developing countries in the region of South East Asia. Rich history, multicultural environment, traditional background and changes in the socio economical political life has caused instability, thus Indonesia still try to find its identity in relation to the welfare regime. Since this country is a largest Muslim country in the world the Islamic traditions, rules and values have been accepted and followed by the people. Thus, it's interesting to know how Islamic, traditional and patriarchal country defines gender and supports its equality within various spheres and micro mezzo macro levels, how it raise public awareness about gender equality and empowers women to be a full and equal participants in the society, how it helps to improve people's quality of life, etc. In addition, it's important to know whether the matter of gender equality, human rights and social justice is understood and implemented within the national, regional and local levels. Thus, as long as Indonesia is a country based on tradition and religion it will not be easy to access and accept all the transformative opportunities, promote and prevent women's human rights and overcome all the challenges regarding the issue of gender equality. And here the Indonesian local wisdom on character building comes along. That's why politics on gender and social protection should be presented and discussed in order to make people understand, change their attitude and start dealing with the issue.