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Working Together to Protect Coastal Ecosystems and Strengthen Livelihoods in West Sumbawa District

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Promoting environmental justice, particularly through the protection of coastal ecosystems, is one of CARE Indonesia’s key priorities. During the COAST-CARE (Co-management for Advancing Sustainable Tatar-Sepang Coastal Area Resilience and Empowerment) showcase(2/7), a co-management forum was established, bringing together CARE Indonesia, the West Sumbawa District Government, village governments, partners, and community groups to strengthen collaborative coastal management.

The establishment of the co-management forum is part of the TFCCA (Tropical Forest and Coral Reefs Conservation Act) Program in West Sumbawa District, a bilateral cooperation initiative between the Governments of Indonesia and the United States. The program is supported by Konservasi Indonesia (KI) and Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN) to advance coral reef conservation while promoting sustainable livelihoods and improving community well-being.

Moving forward, CARE Indonesia and its partners will strengthen the capacity of community groups through training and technical assistance to support sea turtle conservation, coral reef protection, and the development of environmentally sustainable alternative livelihoods. These efforts also aim to expand economic opportunities and strengthen the participation of local communities, including women’s groups.

CARE Indonesia Strengthens Its Commitment to GBV and Sexual Harassment Prevention Within the Organization and Among Partners

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CARE Indonesia’s commitment to preventing Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Violence (GBV/SV), both in the workplace and within communities, is reflected in its ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of its staff. This initiative equips team members with the knowledge and skills to identify the root causes, various forms, and impacts of GBV/SV, while also enhancing their understanding of appropriate reporting mechanisms and case management procedures.

A total of 23 CARE Indonesia staff members participated in the capacity strengthening program through both in-person and virtual sessions. The program covered GBV/SV prevention and workplace grievance reporting mechanisms through presentations, interactive discussions, and practical simulations. All participants also received a GBV/SV response guidebook to support the application of the knowledge and procedures introduced during the training.

As part of the capacity-building initiative, all participants received a GBV Kit containing a workplace GBV/SV case management guidebook, a pocket guide for supporting GBV/SV survivors, and educational flyers. In addition, 65 GBV Kits were distributed to partners in Demak District, Sukabumi District, and Purwakarta District to strengthen GBV/SV prevention and response efforts in workplaces and communities.

Notes from the field: Listening to Women’s Voices in Post-Flood Recovery in Aceh Tamiang

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The floodwaters that once inundated nearly 90 percent of Aceh Tamiang District have gradually receded. Village roads are now accessible again, homes are being cleaned, and daily life is slowly returning to normal. Yet beneath these visible signs of recovery lies a story that often goes unheard, particularly the experiences of women, who continue to shoulder enormous responsibilities while rebuilding their lives after the disaster.

Women have faced far more than the loss of their homes and livelihoods. They have also continued to care for their children, look after sick family members, ensure that household needs are met, and find ways to restore their families’ economic security. Understanding the challenges faced by disaster-affected households, including women and children is a fundamental part of CARE Indonesia’s humanitarian response. As part of this commitment, CARE Indonesia conducted a Rapid Gender Roles and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Assessment from (8-10/6) in Tanjung Mancang and Pantai Tinjau Villages, Aceh Tamiang District.

The assessment built upon the Rapid Gender Analysis (RGA) carried out during the emergency response phase. This time, CARE Indonesia sought to better understand how the floods affected women and other vulnerable groups, identify risks of GBV, and map priority needs throughout the recovery process.

Yohana Tantria, Project Manager & Portfolio Support at CARE Indonesia, explained that the assessment involved separate discussions and interviews with women, men, community leaders, and village government representatives. This approach ensured that each group had a safe and comfortable space to openly share their experiences.

“Through this assessment, we found that the impacts of the flood were not experienced equally by everyone. Women faced far more complex challenges because, in addition to losing their homes or sources of income, they continued to shoulder the responsibility of caring for children, looking after sick family members, and ensuring that household needs were still met,” Yohana said.

Beyond the multiple responsibilities carried by women, the assessment also uncovered vulnerabilities that were not immediately visible during the emergency response. According to Yohana, many of these issues only became apparent once communities entered the recovery phase.

“Damaged homes, with walls left broken by the floods, created new risks related to privacy and personal safety. In public spaces, women and girls also experienced verbal harassment while travelling along dark, damaged village roads,” she explained.

These findings highlight that post-disaster recovery requires more than rebuilding infrastructure or distributing essential relief items. According to Yohana, recovery efforts must also ensure that women have opportunities to voice their needs, participate in decision-making, and access appropriate protection services.

CARE Indonesia integrates gender-responsive humanitarian assistance into every emergency response, including its intervention in Aceh Tamiang. This holistic approach includes conducting gender-sensitive needs assessments and analyses, engaging women in planning processes, ensuring that essential assistance is safely accessible to women and other vulnerable groups, and where feasible supporting safe spaces, psychosocial support, and strengthened protection mechanisms to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and sexual violence.

“Gender-responsive assistance does not mean providing different treatment for women. Rather, it enables us to identify needs that may not be immediately visible. When women are meaningfully involved from the outset, humanitarian assistance becomes more relevant, more effective, and ensures that no one is left behind during recovery,” Yohana said.

Salamah, a flood survivor from Tanjung Mancang Village, shared that many community members still do not recognize that some of the experiences women face after disasters constitute forms of gender-based violence.

“Gender-based violence does happen here, but many people simply don’t realize that these incidents are actually violence. We didn’t know because no one had ever explained it to us. Now we have begun to understand that violence can take many different forms,” she said.

Speaking during the discussion with Yohana, Salamah, who also serves as Secretary of Tanjung Mancang Village, emphasized that increasing public awareness is an important first step toward helping women feel safer when they experience or witness gender-based violence or sexual violence. She hopes that information about gender-based violence will become more accessible and that clear reporting mechanisms will be available to survivors.

“We hope there will be more comprehensive education about violence against women. We also hope there will be accessible reporting mechanisms and clear procedures for handling these cases so that women who experience violence can receive justice,” she concluded.

 

Author: Kukuh Akhfad
Editor: Swiny Adestika

Strengthening Economic Empowerment and Gender Equality for Women Coffee Farmers

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Women play a vital role in the coffee industry. According to the International Coffee Organization (ICO), women contribute up to 70 percent of the global coffee production workforce, participating in activities ranging from crop maintenance and harvesting to post-harvest processing. However, this significant contribution is often not matched by equal access to training opportunities, leadership roles, and decision-making processes within coffee enterprises.

The International Trade Centre (ITC), in its report Women in Coffee: The Case of Indonesia, highlights that women in Indonesia’s coffee sector continue to face barriers in accessing training, leadership positions within farmer groups, business networks, and decision-making opportunities. Yet women possess valuable knowledge, experience, and potential to further develop coffee enterprises and take on broader leadership roles within their communities.

Eri Nuryanti, a coffee farmer from Kemiri Village, Temanggung District, is one of many women who are actively involved in managing her family’s coffee farm. In addition to her household responsibilities, she participates in various pre-harvest activities in the family’s Robusta coffee plantation.

“On our coffee farm, I am usually involved in maintaining the crops, including fertilizing, weeding, pruning unproductive branches, and helping with harvesting during the coffee season,” she said.

These activities have been part of her daily life for many years. Her family’s coffee plantations are located across several areas surrounding the village. For Eri, caring for coffee plants is not only a way to support her family’s livelihood but also a meaningful part of her life.

Beyond her work on the farm, Eri is also an active member of Kelompok Usaha Bersama (KUB) Makmur Lestari, a community-based business group. Within the group, she is responsible for marketing a catfish farming business that is being developed collectively by its members. She believes that community business groups provide valuable opportunities for learning while strengthening women’s economic empowerment.

“Through the business group, we can learn together, share experiences, and strengthen our economic independence through pooled capital and shared business profits,” she explained.

According to Eri, the group also creates a supportive space where women can learn from one another. Members can access capital, discuss business opportunities, and exchange experiences related to managing household finances and livelihoods.

“Being part of a business group helps us strengthen our economic independence through collective investment and profit-sharing,” she added.

Eri has also participated in a range of training programs facilitated by CARE Indonesia and its partners. In addition to business development, these trainings cover leadership, gender and gender equality, as well as the prevention of gender-based violence.

“I have gained a great deal from these trainings. Beyond improving my skills, I have gained new experiences and become more confident in developing my business,” she said.

Agus Tri Wahyuono, Sustainable Agriculture Portfolio Manager at CARE Indonesia, explained that the capacity strengthening received by Eri is part of a broader effort to build a more inclusive and equitable coffee sector, one that provides equal opportunities for both women and men to participate and thrive.

Implemented in Temanggung, Garut, and Jember Districts, the program seeks to strengthen community understanding of gender equality, leadership, inclusive communication, and the prevention and early response to gender-based violence within coffee-growing communities.

“This initiative does not only involve women; it also engages men as part of a collective effort to raise awareness about the importance of gender equality. Through this approach, we hope to encourage a more equitable division of roles within households and coffee enterprises,” he said.

Agus emphasized that the future of the coffee industry depends not only on the quality of its harvests but also on the ability of communities to create inclusive environments free from gender discrimination. When women have access to knowledge, leadership opportunities, and economic resources, they not only contribute to the well-being of their families but also become key drivers of community development and the long-term sustainability of the coffee sector.

“We hope that women will not only participate in coffee production activities but will also have opportunities to build their capacities, take on leadership roles, and engage in decision-making processes at both the group and community levels,” Agus concluded.

 

Author: Kukuh Akhfad
Editor: Swiny Adestika

Joint Business Groups (KUBe) Create Economic Opportunities for Women Workers in Tea Plantation Communities

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Women tea pluckers not only work in tea plantations but also carry significant responsibilities in managing their households and caring for their families. This double burden often limits their access to additional economic opportunities and reduces the time and space available for personal development and capacity building.

To address these challenges, Community Development Forums (CDF) were established as collaborative platforms that strengthen multi-stakeholder engagement and expand opportunities for local communities, including women tea workers, across three villages located in three tea plantation areas in Bandung District. The initiative is a joint effort between CARE Indonesia and its partners.

Agus Tri Wahyuono, Sustainable Agriculture Portfolio Manager at CARE Indonesia, explained that the three forums bring together companies, village governments, and community members including women and women workers to collaboratively foster empowered and inclusive workplaces and communities. One of the key areas promoted through the CDFs is community economic empowerment, including women’s economic empowerment, through the establishment of Joint Business Groups (Kelompok Usaha Bersama/KUBe). Members of these groups, consisting of local community members and women workers, receive training and support to collectively develop micro-enterprises based on local needs and available resources.

Mustari Siti, Coordinator of the Lemon KUBe, shared that her group is currently developing a dried lemon processing business. The initiative was chosen because lemons are abundant in Margaluyu Village. Through this enterprise, she and other group members are able to generate additional income to support their families.

“Since joining KUBe, I have earned additional income that helps meet my family’s needs and allows me to save money. Beyond generating income from product sales, KUBe has also become a space for learning. We have gained knowledge about production processes, business management, group financial management, and product marketing,” she said.

Mustari added that her group has also diversified into other businesses, including coffee, mushrooms, and products made from fruits and vegetables. These ventures provide opportunities for members, most of whom are women to increase their household income while developing new skills that support the sustainability of their businesses.

Economic empowerment initiatives have also been implemented in the Malabar tea plantation area. Members of the local CDF established the KUBe Warung Teh, which serves a variety of local foods and tea beverages produced from the plantation while also providing a marketplace for products made by other community enterprises, such as chips and snacks. The tea stall is designed to attract both local residents and tourists visiting the plantation area.

According to Hani, Chairperson of the Tea Stall KUBe, the collective business has created opportunities for women to learn how to manage a business together. She and her group recognized the tourism potential of the Pangalengan tea plantation area and saw an opportunity to establish a food and beverage venue where visitors could rest while enjoying the scenic tea plantation landscape.

“We started from scratch with support from CARE. We learned how to manage finances, oversee daily operations, serve customers, record income and expenditures, and develop the menu. We also learned how to identify and respond to business opportunities,” she explained.

Hani noted that, beyond generating additional income, the Tea Stall KUBe has strengthened relationships among its members. Through regular meetings and joint activities, women have gained a space to exchange experiences and discuss challenges they face.

“We are pleased to see the business growing successfully. As of May 2026, the Tea Stall KUBe had generated approximately IDR 75 million in revenue. This achievement is the result of our collective hard work, and we hope the business will continue to grow in the future,” she added.

The impact of KUBe extends beyond the Malabar and Pasir Malang plantation areas. Agus explained that in the Nagara Kanaan plantation area, a KUBe supported by CARE Indonesia and its partners operates a small-scale community store that sells essential goods such as LPG cylinders and fertilizer. The business was developed in response to the needs of residents living within the plantation community.

“Although each KUBe operates a different type of business, they all share the same goal: strengthening women’s economic independence and creating greater opportunities for women to participate in community life,” Agus explained.

He further noted that available data show that participants have benefited not only economically but also personally. Women workers involved in the CDFs and KUBe groups have become more confident through their participation in group activities. They are increasingly comfortable expressing their opinions, engaging in discussions, taking leadership roles in business management, and even providing input to plantation management.

“Through KUBe, women in tea plantation communities are not only building businesses; they are also building confidence, knowledge, and support networks that will serve as important foundations for the long-term resilience of their communities,” Agus concluded.

The empowerment of communities, including women through the multi-stakeholder collaboration fostered by the CDFs demonstrates that economic empowerment is about more than increasing income. When women have access to training, mentoring, and opportunities to collectively manage businesses, they also gain space to strengthen their capacities and expand their roles within their communities.

 

Author: Kukuh Akhfad
Editor: Swiny Adestika

Ensuring Safe Digital Space in the Workplace and Protecting Women Workers’ Rights

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Digital spaces have become an integral part of today’s working environment. While workplace interactions once occurred primarily within office walls, communication now takes place through various digital platforms such as online chat groups, email, and virtual meeting applications. As the use of technology continues to grow, new challenges have emerged in ensuring safe workplaces, particularly in preventing violence and harassment within digital workspaces. According to the 2025 Annual Report of Komnas Perempuan, there were 125 reported cases of Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) in workplaces, with women as the majority of victims.

Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Republic of Indonesia define a safe space as one that enables every individual to participate, interact, and express themselves without fear of violence, discrimination, or threats. The Ministry further emphasizes that unsafe digital spaces can discourage women from engaging in public spaces, limit their economic opportunities, and reduce their participation in development processes.

Within the context of employment, a safe digital space refers to a technology-based communication environment that is free from harassment, intimidation, bullying, discrimination, and gender-based violence. The International Labour Organization, through Convention No. 190, affirms that violence and harassment in the world of work may occur through work-related communications, including those facilitated by information and communication technologies. In other words, workplace chat groups, instant messaging platforms, and virtual meeting rooms are all part of the workplace and should provide a sense of safety for every worker.

The need for safe digital spaces is becoming increasingly urgent given the high number of online harassment and violence cases occurring in professional settings. A 2022 survey conducted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in collaboration with the Never Okay Project found that 39.6 percent of respondents had experienced online harassment or violence in the workplace. The survey also revealed that such experiences negatively affect productivity, reduce work motivation, and may even push workers to resign.

According to the ILO, preventing violence in the workplace requires a comprehensive strategy, including clear policies, secure reporting mechanisms, and education for all employees.

Yohana Tantria, Project Manager & Portfolio Support at CARE Indonesia, stated that creating safe digital spaces for women in the workplace requires a more inclusive workplace culture. Companies need to build awareness that sexually suggestive comments, sharing photos without consent, gender-degrading jokes, and unwanted private messages are not harmless jokes, but behaviors that can be categorized as violence or harassment.

“Women have the right to work without fear, including in digital spaces. When degrading comments, harassment, or inappropriate behavior are tolerated, the impact extends beyond workers’ sense of safety. It also affects their confidence, participation, and opportunities to grow professionally,” said Yohana.

On the other hand, Yohana also emphasized that women workers need to understand their rights in digital spaces. They should know that any form of harassment occurring through work-related communication can be reported and addressed through existing mechanisms. Digital literacy is therefore essential to help women recognize forms of digital violence, document evidence, and seek support when experiencing or witnessing inappropriate behavior.

Safe digital spaces are not created solely when victims feel empowered to speak up, but also when workplaces provide adequate support and protection.

“Victims often choose to remain silent because they fear they will not be believed or worry about the impact on their careers. Therefore, the responsibility for creating safe digital spaces must not rest solely on victims. Management of the company and colleagues must also ensure there is sufficient support, protection, and mechanisms that make workers feel safe to speak out,” Yohana added.

Men also play a crucial role in creating safe digital environments. Preventing gender-based violence is not solely women’s responsibility, but a shared responsibility. Men can act as allies by refusing to tolerate jokes that demean women, not participating in the spread of abusive content, and courageously addressing or reporting inappropriate behavior. ILO stresses that creating workplaces free from violence requires the active involvement of all parties, including male employees and company management.

At the corporate level, several measures can be taken, including establishing anti-violence policies that explicitly cover digital spaces, creating safe and confidential complaint mechanisms, providing training on gender equality and digital communication ethics, and ensuring fair follow-up on every report. These efforts align with ILO Convention No. 190, which affirms every individual’s right to work in an environment free from violence and harassment.

Collaborative work to create safe spaces for women workers are also supported by the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection through the establishment of Rumah Perlindungan Pekerja Perempuan (RP3) or Women Workers’ Protection Houses. Through Ministerial Regulation No. 1 of 2023, RP3 serves as an initial support service for women workers experiencing violence, including providing complaint mechanisms, assistance, and referrals. The presence of RP3 reflects a commitment to ensuring women workers receive protection and access to safe case-handling mechanisms, including when violence occurs in digital spaces.

Riska Wahyuni, CSR Manager at PT Hindoli, stated that the presence of RP3 helps companies build safer and more responsive workplaces for women employees.

“RP3 provides a space where women workers feel safer to voice concerns or report cases they experience. With a clear mechanism in place, employees feel more confident that every report will be handled seriously and in accordance with proper procedures,” she explained.

Ultimately, safe digital spaces are not merely a matter of technology, but part of a broader effort to create workplaces that uphold equality and respect the dignity of every worker.

“When women feel safe to communicate, express opinions, and participate in digital spaces, they are able to grow, contribute, and take on greater roles in the workplace. Therefore, building safe digital spaces is not only about protecting women workers, but also about strengthening the foundation of healthy, productive, and inclusive organizations,” Yohana concluded.

 

Author: Kukuh Akhfad
Editor: Swiny Adestika

Annual Report CARE Indonesia – 2025

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Collaboration to Strengthen Community Resilience and Women’s Empowerment in Tea Plantation Communities in Bandung District

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Efforts to strengthen community participation, particularly women’s involvement in decision-making processes within tea plantation communities in Bandung District, received appreciation from corporate partners and the Bandung District Government during a public discussion held at the PTPN 1 Regional 2 Office, Bandung City, on May 25.

The event was attended by 67 invited participants, both online and offline, representing corporate partners, government institutions, and Community Development Forum (CDF) members, including women tea pickers and local community members, who gathered to hear inspiring stories shared by women tea pickers.

Through the establishment of Community Development Forums (CDF) in Banjarsari Village, Margaluyu Village, and Indragiri Village in Bandung District, 91.7% of community members have actively participated in decision-making processes. In addition, Joint Business Groups (KUBe) initiated by the CDF have contributed to strengthening household incomes for their members.

Community empowerment efforts, including women’s, by CARE Indonesia strengthened through MoU with the Sumbawa District Government

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Efforts to improve community welfare, strengthen the protection of women and children, enhance family economic resilience, and promote environmental sustainability, which are key focuses of CARE Indonesia, have now been reinforced through the signing of a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CARE Indonesia and the Sumbawa District Government (20/05).

The MoU was signed by Abdul Wahib Situmorang, CEO of CARE Indonesia, and Ir. H. Syarafuddin Jarot, Regent of Sumbawa District, at the Sumbawa Regent’s Office. The signing ceremony was also attended by representatives from PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara. Further details regarding the implementation of the collaboration will be outlined in a cooperation agreement between CARE Indonesia and the Sumbawa District Government.

From North Sulawesi’s Mangrove Forests to an International Stage: Wisye’s Journey at the Women Deliver Forum 2026

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Wisye Sahambangung, a woman fisher from Serawet Village, never imagined she would one day board a plane and travel to Australia. She still finds it hard to believe that she was selected to speak at an international conference such as the Women Deliver Forum, representing dozens of women fishers and grassroots women leaders from coastal villages in North Minahasa District.

Wisye’s journey was driven by her commitment to share the daily realities of women in coastal communities in North Sulawesi, women who are actively conserving mangrove ecosystems while strengthening their economic resilience. As the Head of the Women-Led Economic Business Group (KUEP) Rhizophora, she has played a key role in linking mangrove conservation with women’s economic empowerment and advancing community-based gender equality.

“I never imagined I would have the opportunity to speak about our mangrove conservation efforts and economic empowerment activities. I feel very proud. This experience proves that coastal women can also step into global spaces when they are given the opportunity,” she said with a smile while speaking to the CARE Indonesia team upon her arrival in Jakarta, as she waited for her flight to Melbourne the following day.

As a mother of two, Wisye shared that being selected required her to learn many new things. She practiced public speaking and deepened her knowledge of mangroves to prepare for the forum.

“To improve my confidence, I practiced speaking in front of a mirror and with members of my group, explaining our work on KUEP, mangroves, and women’s activities. With support from Yayasan Bumi Tangguh and CARE Indonesia, I also learned more about mangroves, as previously most of our knowledge came from hands-on experience in the field,” she explained.

At the forum, Wisye highlighted the role of women in climate change adaptation in Serawet Village. She emphasized how mangrove conservation efforts led by women are closely linked to improving household incomes.

“At such an important forum, I shared how women collect seedlings and plant mangroves, as well as the economic activities we run together. I believe it is important to share these stories, as they demonstrate that coastal women are capable of stepping forward. When I spoke, there were many participants from different countries, including Australia, the Philippines, Cambodia, and several African countries,” she said.

Beyond speaking on stage, Wisye also participated in various conference sessions. Despite language barriers, she remained actively engaged in learning from the discussions.

“While in Australia, I was supported by a colleague from CARE Indonesia who helped translate the sessions into Bahasa Indonesia. This allowed me to understand discussions on important topics, such as the role of women in society. I plan to share this knowledge with other women in my village,” she added.

Wisye described the experience as deeply meaningful. She had the opportunity to speak before a global audience and was interviewed by international media. Through this experience, she realized that coastal women can confidently express their voices in public spaces.

“My journey at Women Deliver made me realize that women can step forward and speak out. I believe that women can create positive change, especially in conserving mangroves in our village,” she said.

She also expressed her hope to share her experience with members of her KUEP group and local government stakeholders.

“This experience is very valuable, and I want to share it with other women in KUEP. If possible, I would also like to engage with local government to strengthen support for our efforts in protecting mangroves,” she added.

Wisye’s participation at Women Deliver received strong appreciation from fellow delegates. Fatema Johora, a delegate from CARE Bangladesh, expressed her admiration for Wisye’s work.

“I am deeply inspired by Wisye and her group’s efforts in climate change adaptation, which are closely linked to women’s economic empowerment. This exchange has been very meaningful, and I hope we can continue sharing ideas and staying connected in the future,” she said.

Prutha Kulkarni from the Melbourne Convention Bureau also shared her perspective after hearing Wisye’s story.

“Listening to Wisye’s story was truly moving. It provided valuable insights into the role of women, even in remote areas, in protecting mangrove ecosystems in Indonesia. It is very inspiring. I hope communities around the world can learn from CARE Indonesia’s efforts, not only in mangrove conservation but also in creating space for women to grow,” she said.

In closing, Wisye shared a message for women everywhere, especially those in coastal communities like her own in Serawet Village: to embrace courage and confidence.

“To women in coastal communities, do not be afraid to step forward. Confidence and courage are the key to raising our voices and representing women wherever we are,” she concluded.

Author: Kukuh Akhfad
Editor: Swiny Adestika