In this exclusive interview, the Chairman of Srikandi Mixed Marriage Association, Ani Natalia unveils her takes on the Srikandi Mixed Marriage Association.
The Srikandi Mixed Marriage Association is an association of Indonesian women who are married or have been married to men with foreign citizenship. Srikandi’s goal is to be a place to share, to support Srikandi members in times of need, to help and find solutions in times of trouble or whenever they are treated unfairly or denied justice. In this exclusive interview, the Chairman of Srikandi Mixed Marriage Association, Ani Natalia unveils her takes on the Srikandi Mixed Marriage Association.
Can you tell us about the background behind Srikandi Mixed Married Community?
Srikandi’s background is to create an organization consisting of Indonesian women who marry foreign national men, where they can discuss, share experiences and fight for mixed marriage family rights and jointly carry out humanitarian social activities.
How did you start this community?
This community was founded by the founders, namely Mrs. Rahaju Margaretha Koosman, Mrs. Dewi Hajar Hardy, Mrs. Sri Setyaningsih Lienau, Mrs. Berliana Ratna Djuwita Manullang Whitney, and Mrs. Ries Makmur based on deed number 16 dated October 10, 2000, in the presence of Notary Mrs. Agustine Junaedi, SH.
How many members does Srikandi Mixed Married Community? Can you tell us from which country they are?
The number of Srikandi members is 400 people and they come from various countries. Most are in Indonesia, namely Jakarta and Bali, but there are also members living in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
What do you envision for the future of Srikandi Mixed Married Community?
I imagine Srikandi to be a proud organization that contributes as much as possible to members, namely the family of intermarriage in Indonesia and also to the wider community, also to become the trusted partner of the government in making policies toward mixed married families.
What results does your community achieve?
Together with the Aliansi Pelangi Antar Bangsa, Srikandi has fought for citizenship for children from mixed marriages in 2006, where children from mixed marriages can have dual citizenship, although only limited to the age of 18 years. In addition, we also fight so that wives can become sponsors of their husband’s visa in Indonesia.
Can you tell us what do you, personally, spend most of your time on?
What I spend most of my time on, besides working as a tax officer and doing social activities with Srikandi, I like to read, listen to music, spend time with my children, go on travel or culinary with friends and family.
As a strong woman, please give us three words that describe you the best?
Passionate, Honest, Responsible
Can you tell us about Srikandi Mixed Married Community’s Charity Fashion Show?
Charity Fashion Show with Srikandi is a social activity that is one of Srikandi’s work programs in 2022. We held this activity to collect donations that will be distributed to orphan homes in Jember, nursing homes in Sumbawa and also to Sekar Paramita School in Jakarta. In addition, we also collect donations to be given to the struggle for Dual Citizenship for Mixed Marriage Families. Currently, Srikandi together with APAB is struggling to change the Citizenship Law, especially to provide equal rights for mixed families in Indonesia.
What is the reason you choose orphanages in Mataram, Jember, Sekar Paramita School in Jakarta, and Aliansi Pelangi Antar Bangsa for the charity?
The Orphanage in Jember, the Nursing Home in Sumbawa and Sekar Paramita School have been our partners for the past few years, we have received input about them from Srikandi members. As for APAB, because research for this citizenship requires funds, then we will help as much as possible.
What is your hope for the future of Srikandi Mixed Married Community?
Srikandi becomes stronger and bigger and contributes positively to society.
And finally, how do people join Srikandi Mixed Married Community and help the cause?
Very easily, they can fill out the registration form on our website www.srikandi.org or can directly contact one of the Srikandi administrators.