Jakarta — November 20, 2025.
The global spotlight has once again turned to the expertise and long-standing
advocacy of Prof.
Alimatul Qibtiyah of UIN Sunan Kalijaga. On Thursday evening,
she was officially named the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Promoting
Women’s Empowerment and Social Inclusion Award at the Australian Alumni
Awards held in Jakarta.
The award—presented by the Australian Embassy
in Indonesia—stands as a monumental recognition of her
consistent, visionary, and deeply influential contributions to advancing gender
equality, women’s empowerment, and social inclusion. Her work has shaped not
only academic discourse, but also policy reform and wider social movements
across Indonesia.
During her acceptance speech, Prof. Alimatul
reflected on the journey that forged her determination and values.
“I grew up academically in the Women’s Studies
Center of UIN Sunan Kalijaga, and within Aisyiyah, Muhammadiyah, and Komnas
Perempuan. I am an anti-corruption woman, and that conviction keeps me
going—even when I’ve been labeled Western, liberal, and other intimidating
narratives. I don’t care about that,” she said with firm resolve.
She also acknowledged the foundational role of
her family:
“My deepest gratitude goes to my family — my
extraordinary support system through every chapter of my life.”
Prof. Alimatul emphasized that the award
symbolizes a collective struggle rather than a personal milestone:
“This recognition belongs to every courageous
individual who becomes a true agent of change — those who keep pushing
transformative power and ensure our work remains anchored in justice and
inclusion. We have shifted from ego-system to eco-system, guided by sincerity,
openness, and unwavering commitment.”
A Lifetime of Systemic
Advocacy
Prof. Alimatul’s achievement is not
accidental, but the culmination of decades of work driving systemic change. She
has been widely recognized for pioneering policies, social programs, and
community interventions that expand access, participation, and protection for
women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups — positioning her
as a leading figure in gender justice both locally and globally.
As a scholar, she serves as Professor at the
Faculty of Da’wah and Communication, UIN Sunan Kalijaga, and
teaches at the Master’s Program in Islamic Communication and Broadcasting.
Her Ph.D. from Western Sydney University strengthened her academic
foundation on Contemporary Muslim Society, which she later developed into a
strong body of work on Muslim feminism. Her latest book, “Media, Gender,
and Feminism in Indonesia,” demonstrates her role in shaping a
new generation of scholars who are critically engaged with gender and media
studies.
Her influence extends far beyond the
university. She has served as a Commissioner of the National Commission on Violence
Against Women (Komnas Perempuan), Chair of LPPA ‘Aisyiyah,
and is also part of the Majelis Tarjih and Tajdid of Muhammadiyah.
Through these positions, she has seamlessly combined academic research, policy
advocacy, and community empowerment — ensuring that her ideas translate into
concrete social action.
Her contributions also span public education
and community support programs. She has been an LPDP
scholarship reviewer, a national instructor for the Ministry of Religious
Affairs’ premarital education program, and a consultant on family and women’s
protection issues. These responsibilities reinforce a long-standing portfolio of
dedication to justice, inclusion, and social transformation. (huamssk)