Mother’s Day Highlights Women’s Role in Sumatra Disaster Relief
- by Andi Alfirdaus
- 23 Des 2025
KBRN, Jakarta: Amidst the natural disasters currently impacting Sumatra and other regions, the President of the Indonesian Business and Professional Women’s Federation (BPW Indonesia) and UN Standing Committee member for BPW International, Giwo Rubianto highlighted the vital role of women in emergency response in a statement released on Monday, December 22, 2025.
She argued that Mother’s Day is a testament to the resilience of women who stand on the front lines of humanitarian recovery, transforming their historical spirit of struggle into modern-day leadership in disaster-stricken communities.
“Mother’s Day is a tribute to the courage of Indonesian women who, since the beginning of our nation's history, have stood equal in fighting for independence and the future of generations,” she remarked in a press statement received on Monday, December 22, 2025, as quoted by Antara.
This year’s Mother’s Day arrives amidst natural disasters striking several regions in Indonesia, particularly in Sumatra. In these emergency situations, women, specifically mothers, have once again demonstrated their remarkable resilience.
They are on the front lines ensuring the safety of children and making sure basic needs are met. Furthermore, they serve as the pillars of family and community strength despite facing severe limitations.
In disaster zones, women also dominate the ranks of medical personnel and nurses working tirelessly in the field. They provide health services, psychological support, and care for victims, often under restricted and high-risk conditions.
According to Giwo, the toughness shown by women during disasters is a continuation of the spirit of struggle that has been tested throughout history.
“Women are not just victims of disasters, but important actors in humanitarian response and social recovery, the nation's resilience often rests on the strength of women,” she stated.
On another note, she expressed appreciation for the swift actions of Generation Z and Millennials who have shown genuine concern through solidarity. These young people utilize technology and social networks to gather aid, spread accurate information, and directly assist victims on the ground.
“Gen Z and Millennials today have become the new face of solidarity. They move quickly, with bravery and empathy, values that grow, in part, from the examples set by women and mothers,” said Giwo.
In closing her statement, Giwo expressed her hope that Mother’s Day would not end as a mere symbolic commemoration. Instead, it should become a collective momentum to strengthen the protection of women and support their roles during crises.
She also advocated for the encouragement of cross-generational collaboration to face future challenges. “When women are empowered and the younger generation moves together, Indonesia possesses great social capital to rise and survive in the face of challenges,” she concluded. ***