Indonesia Launches Southeast Asia Women Citizen Dialogue
Regional leaders, international organizations, and national sports federations unite in Jakarta to strengthen women’s empowerment and safeguarding initiatives across Southeast Asia
JAKARTA, INDONESIA — 19 May 2026 — Guardian Girls International (GGI), together with Guardian Girls Indonesia, The Japan Foundation Indonesia, and UNFPA Indonesia, proudly launched the Southeast Asia Women Citizen Dialogue Indonesia (SEA-WCD Indonesia) at The Japan Foundation Indonesia in Jakarta.
The landmark event marked the launch of the first regional Women Citizen Dialogue (WCD) in Southeast Asia, making Indonesia the first ASEAN Member State to host the initiative in the region. The forum convened leaders from the government, international organizations, national sports federations, civil society, and local communities to advance regional dialogue and action on gender equality, women’s leadership, and the prevention of violence against women and girls.
The forum followed the official launch reception of Guardian Girls Indonesia (GGNC Indonesia) and Guardian Girls Pencak Silat (GGPS), held the previous evening at the Official Residence of the Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia on 18 May 2026 in Jakarta.
SEA-WCD Indonesia was organized by Guardian Girls Indonesia in partnership with The Japan Foundation Indonesia and UNFPA Indonesia, and in collaboration with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) Indonesia, the Indonesia Karate Federation (FORKI), the Indonesia Judo Federation (PJSI), the Indonesia Ju-Jitsu Federation (PBJI), the Indonesia Pencak Silat Association (IPSI), the Indonesia Vovinam Federation (IVVF), Aikido Shudokan Indonesia, and rYojbaba, among others.
Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Myochin Mitsuru, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia; Mr. Inami Kazumi, Director General of The Japan Foundation Indonesia; Mr. Hassan Mohtashami, UNFPA Indonesia Representative; and Mr. Shin Koyamada, Secretary General of Guardian Girls International.
The panel session was held under the theme: “From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality and Women’s Safety through Community and Sports in Southeast Asia”. The Women Citizen Dialogue (WCD), a global initiative of GGI, was first launched in Tokyo as the Tokyo Women Citizen Dialogue in partnership with the United Nations University (UNU) in March 2026. Building upon the successful Tokyo launch, SEA-WCD Indonesia expanded the initiative into Southeast Asia, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation, grassroots engagement, and community-based action.
The Jakarta forum featured a keynote address by Ms. Veronica Tan, Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection of Indonesia, followed by a high-level panel discussion moderated by prominent gender activist Ms. Sita Aripurnami.
Distinguished panelists included:
- Desy Andriani, Deputy for Protection of Women’s Rights, Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA)
- Tabitha Sumendap, Safeguarding Officer, Indonesia Olympic Committee
- Zavnura Pingkan, Chief of Gender Equality, Indonesia Olympic Committee
The event also featured a series of Guardian Girls sports-based seminars, including demonstrations and training sessions in Guardian Girls Karate (GGK), Guardian Girls Ju-Jitsu (GGJJ), Guardian Girls Pencak Silat (GGPS), Guardian Girls Vovinam (GGV), Guardian Girls Judo (GGJ), and Guardian Girls Aikido (GGA), led by certified women instructors from Indonesia’s national sports federations and organizations.
These initiatives aim to empower women and girls through practical self-protection skills, leadership development, and community engagement. Following the launch event, participating national federations and organizations announced plans to expand Guardian Girls seminars and academy projects across Indonesia, with the goal of empowering and safeguarding thousands of women and girls nationwide.
In addition, GGI and the International Pencak Silat Federation (IPSF) are exploring collaboration to launch Guardian Girls Pencak Silat (GGPS) as a global initiative originating from Indonesia, integrating traditional Pencak Silat into international women’s empowerment and safeguarding programs.
“Indonesia has the opportunity to become a regional and global leader in advancing women’s empowerment through sports, culture, and community action. Through partnerships across Southeast Asia, we hope to create safer, more inclusive, and sustainable communities for women and girls,” said Shin Koyamada, Co-Founder and Secretary General of GGI.
Guardian Girls International has launched projects in more than 30 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas in collaboration with governments, United Nations agencies, international sports federations, embassies, and local organizations. Guardian Girls Indonesia is expected to serve as a national coordination platform for future Guardian Girls seminars, academies, leadership programs, policy dialogues, and community initiatives throughout Indonesia.
“Japan highly values international cooperation that promotes mutual understanding, inclusion, and the empowerment of women and girls. We are pleased to support initiatives that strengthen regional dialogue and people-to-people connections across Southeast Asia,” said Mr. Myochin Mitsuru, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia.
“The Japan Foundation is honored to support this important regional platform that brings together leaders from diverse sectors through dialogue, culture, and community engagement. We hope this initiative will inspire continued collaboration and positive social impact throughout Southeast Asia,” said Mr. Inami Kazumi, Director General of The Japan Foundation Indonesia.
“Advancing sexual and reproductive health and ending violence against women and girls is at the very core of UNFPA’s mandate. When women and girls are safe, confident, and empowered, then the entire communities thrive. Let us use today’s dialogue to inspire actionable change across Indonesia and Southeast Asia,” said Mr. Hassan Mohtashami, UNFPA Representative in Indonesia.
The organizers expressed hope that SEA-WCD Indonesia would serve as a long-term regional platform to strengthen cooperation, inspire future initiatives, and amplify the role of sports and community engagement in advancing gender equality and women’s safety across Southeast Asia.