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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) has condemned remarks made by Ahmad Dhani, a member of the House of Representatives (DPR) from the Gerindra faction, calling them sexist, racist, and degrading to Indonesia's dignity.
Dhani suggested that naturalization should be extended to football players over the age of 40, particularly widowers who could marry women to produce offspring with better football skills.
Dhani made the statement during a meeting of Commission X on March 5, 2025, discussing the approval of Indonesian citizenship for three players of Indonesian descent. He defended his remarks as being "out of the box" and was made in a joking tone.
Komnas Perempuan views Dhani's comments as demeaning to women by reducing them to mere reproductive machines and sexual slaves.
He also suggested that if the naturalized football players were Muslim, they could marry up to four women, despite Indonesian law, such as the Marriage Law and the Compilation of Islamic Law, regulating strict conditions and requirements for polygamy. “To prevent polygamy from merely benefiting one party and exploiting others,” said Theresia Sri Endras Iswarini, a Commissioner for Komnas Perempuan, in a press release sent to Tempo on March 6, 2025.
Theresia also pointed out that Dhani's racist remarks undermine Indonesia's dignity by suggesting that foreign football players possess superior genetic qualities compared to Indonesians. The racist tone became apparent in his emphasis that naturalization should exclude “white” people due to their different European race.
Komnas Perempuan reminds all members and leaders of the DPR to uphold the Four Pillars of the Nation as the foundation for drafting laws and applying them in everyday life. The Four Pillars are Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity), and the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
According to Theresia, respect for human dignity, non-discrimination, and appreciation for diversity are integral values within the Four Pillars of the Nation that must be upheld. This principle includes treating women as equals, not just as sexual or reproductive objects.
Dhani's sexist remarks also contradict Indonesia's commitment to gender equality and justice, as outlined in Law No. 7 of 1984 ratifying the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5.
CEDAW mandates that public officials, including policymakers in state parties, refrain from discriminating against women and take strategic steps to eliminate such discrimination.
According to Theresia, Dhani's statement also has the potential to violate women's human rights, tarnish the image and integrity of the DPR, especially Commission X, which oversees education.
Komnas Perempuan urges the Honorary Council of the DPR (MKD) to further investigate this case. Besides contradicting the values of the Four Pillars of the Nation, Dhani's statement suggests a lack of seriousness in fulfilling the DPR's role, particularly in overseeing the development of Indonesian football players to ensure the optimal achievement of the nation's children in the sport.
An investigation by MKD is crucial for strengthening the authority of the DPR and ensuring that such incidents do not happen again.
Komnas Perempuan also recommends that the DPR leadership strengthen the capacity of its members regarding the constitution, human rights, and gender equality, so they can carry out their duties professionally, with integrity, and in accordance with the applicable ethics.
Furthermore, political parties supporting Ahmad Dhani should provide guidance and oversight on the work of DPR members they endorse, including ensuring that their statements align with human rights principles, non-discrimination, and gender equality.
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