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March 13, 2025 | 11:28 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) has urged the House of Representatives' Honorary Council (MKD) to investigate lawmaker Ahmad Dhani for a remark deemed sexist, which he made during a Commission X hearing on March 5, 2025.
During the session, which discussed the naturalization of Indonesian national football team players, Dhani suggested that foreign players over 40 years old and divorced should marry Indonesian women to produce "Indonesian-born" offspring with superior football skills. He further stated that if the naturalized players were Muslim, they could marry up to four women.
"Komnas Perempuan encourages MKD to investigate this matter further," said Komnas Perempuan member Dewi Kanti in Jakarta on Friday, March 7.
She stated that Ahmad Dhani’s remark contradicts the principles of the Four Pillars of Nationalism and reflects a lack of seriousness in carrying out his legislative duties, particularly in overseeing policies that support the development of Indonesian football talent.
"An investigation by MKD is necessary to uphold the dignity of the House of Representatives and to ensure that such incidents do not happen again," she added.
Another Komnas Perempuan member, Maria Ulfah Anshor, called on House leaders to enhance lawmakers’ understanding of constitutional rights, human rights, equality, and justice so they can fulfill their duties professionally and ethically.
"Political parties, especially those that endorsed Ahmad Dhani, must provide guidance and supervision for their lawmakers to ensure their statements align with human rights principles, non-discrimination, and gender equality," she said.
Was It a Joke?
Dhani’s comments were made during a hearing between Commission X, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir. He proposed expanding naturalization policies by encouraging foreign footballers to marry Indonesian women to create future generations of “Indonesian-born” talented players.
According to Antara, he justified his statement as "out-of-the-box thinking" and said it was made in a joking manner. The DPR member and musician also suggested that if Indonesia continued naturalizing players, it would be better to choose those from Korea or Africa, as they more closely resemble Indonesians in skin color. “Those who somewhat resemble us. It doesn’t matter to have many of them, as long as they are similar to us in skin tone,” he said.
He then stated that if a naturalized football player is Muslim, he would be able to marry four women.
Objectification of Women, Racial Undertones
Komnas Perempuan condemned Ahmad Dhani’s remark, calling it sexist, degrading to women, racially insensitive, and damaging to Indonesia’s dignity. "His remarks objectify women as mere reproductive machines and servants to their husbands," said Komnas Perempuan chair Andy Yentriyani on Thursday in Jakarta.
She declared Dhani’s comments a violation of Indonesia’s commitments to gender equality and justice, as outlined in Law No. 7 of 1984, which ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on gender equality.
CEDAW requires public officials and policymakers to refrain from discrimination against women and take active steps to eliminate it.
"Ahmad Dhani’s remarks violate women's rights and damage the image, honor, and credibility of the House of Representatives—especially Commission X, which oversees education. Komnas Perempuan urges MKD to conduct a thorough investigation," Andy Yentriyani said.
Deputy Chair of MKD Tubagus Hasanuddin stated that no formal complaint had been filed regarding Ahmad Dhani’s remarks. However, he assured that MKD would take action if a report was submitted. "No formal complaint has been filed yet," Hasanuddin told Tempo on Tuesday, March 11.
Editor's Choice: Komnas Perempuan Condemns Ahmad Dhani's Sexist Remarks on Naturalization
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