UNS — Kartini Day is a momentum when women get their equal rights with men in education and job. The day commemorated on 21 April inspires women in Indonesia to receive equality fought by Raden Ajeng (red: royal title) Kartini that open people’s eyes that women have the same opportunity as men. Speaking about today Kartini, many women will appear to the surface, including the Female Security Unit or Sekwan. To provide equality, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta recruited five Sekwan four years ago. They are Damar Ayu Widya, Siska Adieningtyas Putri, Yulaeka Samdani, Wuri Rahayu Kamulyan, and Rinanda Kusuma Damayanti.
On Monday (19/4/2021), uns.ac.id has an opportunity to talk with the five Sekwan about people’s views, working hours, and what they love from their job, which is often underestimated because the majority of security forces in Indonesia are male.
Family and Community Views
There is no higher or lower profession in life, as each job position depends on others to work together. However, the Indonesian community retains their view that the female security force is something ‘unusual’. Siska Adieningtyas Putri, a UNS Sekwan member, mentioned that her family fully support her job even though initially they were wondering because their daughter looks imposing. “They were also worried if I have night shift. But in UNS, we are more focused on services, providing information similar to the front office,” Siska said.
But many still underestimate them, especially from their neighborhood. Wuri Rahayu Kamulyan shared her experience with people who do not respect professional differences. “There was a neighbor who asked where I work, I answered in UNS. Then they seem to underestimate the Sekwan profession, why I agree to be security forces, while in truth, there is nothing wrong to work as Sekwan because only we fully know our intention. We know our way, not others,” the Pacitan woman said.
Working Hours
There is no significant difference in terms of Sekwan working hours. However, there is no night shift post for them, and their position has a rolling system once every three months. The post starts with the Rectorate, UNS Library, Postgraduate School, and LPPM. The Rectorate has another rolling system once every week for the posts on the first and second floors. Their working hours have encouraged these wonderful women to continue their studies at the undergraduate level in several universities in Surakarta.
“Even though (we work as) Sekwan, education keeps going, so we join classes for employees. But this (education) does not disturb our working hours, because the classes are after our shift. But if we have class at 3 pm, we asked our friend to back us up,” Siska explained.
Comforts
During their four-year service in UNS, the Sekwan squad got great experiences interacting with new people, government officials, and students. Damar Ayu Widya shared her experience that the environment, the job is comfortable for her. “To be able to interact with many people. In Postgraduate School with students, in LPPM and Rectorate with officials, and in Rectorate even more experience and knowledge (we get).”
Messages for Sekwan in Indonesia
Even though their profession is a minority and often underestimated, Srikandi Sekwan UNS do not lose their spirit. Wuri, one of these Srikandis, reminded all Sekwan in Indonesia not to be discouraged by negative views from the community.
“Stay spirited, my fellow Sekwan. Do not (discouraged) by what others said. We work for families. Sometimes people say ‘only a security?’ but do not get discouraged. What people say is their business. What’s important is our intention,” Wuri said. Yulaeka Samdani also reminded that Sekwan is an excellent profession though different from other woman’s jobs.
Hopefully, Kartini Day will encourage Indonesian women to continue working and creating. This brief interview is expected to bring positive energy for women who work in any field and profession. Humas UNS
Reporter: Bayu Aji Prasetya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti