Sana

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Starting Point

SP Kinasih as a Women Movement

SP Kinasih, established in 1999, is part of a national women's movement network (ie. Women Solidarity or Solidaritas Perempuan or SP) that responded to the injustice that was conducted by the New Order regime such as the regime’s reliance on the dual-function of the military (for governance and security) and dispossession of lands linked to the emergence of natural resources capitalization. In responding to the issue, SP Kinasih is committed to bringing feminist principles to existing issues, particularly issues relating to the involvement of women in migration, climate crisis, agrarian justice, food security, and sexuality (which incorporates any issues of women’s autonomy such as autonomy over beliefs).

As an organization, SP Kinasih routinely recruits members and requires new members to participate in their training which includes tenets of feminist perspective. Further, to ensure healthy organizational activity, SP Kinasih evaluates their member’s activity and should members indicate that they are no longer active in the organization, their membership will be revoked. Relating to the funding, SP Kinasih requires members to pay IDR3500 (approx. USD2,5) per year for the operation of the organization and firmly rejects funding from governments and corporations to ensure their objectivity. Despite such a stance, SP Kinasih has been building communication channels with the government to identify opportunities for collaboration that help their cause.  

Ms. Sana as a Woman Activist

Sana grew up in a traditional religious household and obtained Islamic education throughout her studies. During her college years, Sana participated in an organization engaging with environmental issues, in which she was exposed to the idea of econo-feminist, a principle that she still holds today. Her background translates to her activism and organizational membership today where she is active in SP Kinasih and several religious organizations, in which she commits to continuously promote a gendered approach to ensure that women’s voices are included in any organizational initiatives. 

Peace Journey

SP Kinasih as a Women Movement

In addressing societal issues while also ensuring that women are involved in any peace process, SP Kinasih conducts research, campaigns, and education. It has conducted various research on issues in which SP Kinasih engages in. For example, SP Kinasih analysed misogynistic narratives in religious teachings and proposed an alternative interpretation of religious ideas. The findings of their research become material for other initiatives including classes on feminist and art events to raise awareness, enhance individual capacity, and endorses individuals from various backgrounds to meet and learn from each other while also gradually establishing new networks. 

SP Kinasih also engages in fieldwork which they consider to be more “confrontational”. For example, SP Kinasih conducts community organizing during an agrarian conflict in Wadas, Yogyakarta. SP Kinasih's presence protects women who are more vulnerable to violence by the government and male-dominated activists and ensures that the interests of women will be incorporated in any negotiation and conflict resolution. SP Kinasih runs a social media account that provides live-updates of the situation in Wadas, Yogyakarta which has been relied upon by mainstream news. 

Success Stories

SP Kinasih as a Women Movement

SP Kinasih is quite vocal in its criticism of societal issues and is often involved in direct action, particularly agrarian conflict. Due to such practice, there appears to be surveillance and intervention by the government towards the activity of SP Kinasih. Based on the experience of SP Kinasih members, there appears to be censorship by the government towards campaigns by SP Kinasih and there have been times where their gatherings were disbanded by the government. Some members also experienced intimidation to prevent them from being involved in existing conflicts. 

SP Kinasih are aware of the risks of their work. SP Kinasih has established a mechanism to ensure the safety of its members while maintaining their ability to be active in their advocacy. SP Kinasih also established a network of organizations that can assist them in providing safety for their members with SafeNet, an organization engaging with digital issues, including the digital safety of activists. 

Ms. Sana as Women Activist

Ms. Sana acknowledges that her advocacy efforts put a strain on her mental health, particularly when a conflict escalates or when there is strong resistance. She addresses such issues by communicating with other activists, particularly senior activists who often have the knowledge and the network to assist her in resolving issues she faces. One of the senior activists she confided in is a counselor and the counseling helped her immensely, in addition to a suggestion to engage in recreational activities disconnected from her work.