Women and Children Resilience (WCR) Indonesia and Polda Metro Jaya Commemorate the 78th Anniversary of Polwan: Strengthening the Role of Women in Protecting Women and Children

Jakarta, September 11, 2026 — Women play an important role in creating a sense of security, providing protection, and strengthening the resilience of families and communities. This spirit became part of the celebration of the 78th Anniversary of the Indonesian Women Police (Polwan), held through a Sharing Session titled “Building Strong Women Police Officers to Protect Women and Children – One Police Woman, Extraordinary Impact” on Friday (11/9/2026).

The event was a collaboration between Women & Children Resilience (WCR) Indonesia and Polda Metro Jaya, taking place at Studio Kreasi Sasa, Jalan Letjen S. Parman Kav. 32–34, Slipi, Palmerah, West Jakarta.

Carrying the spirit of #RiseAndSpeak, the event became a platform for sharing experiences, inspiration, and strengthening perspectives on the role of women in creating a safe and responsive environment for women and children.

Women Supporting and Empowering Each Other

The event began with an opening speech by the Director of Women and Children Resilience (WCR) Indonesia, Dr. Margaretha Hanita, S.H., M.Si., followed by remarks from the Director of the Women and Children Protection Directorate (PPA-PPO) of Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Pol Dr. Rita Wulandari Wibowo, S.I.K., M.H.

The main session featured several inspiring speakers from different backgrounds who have strong commitments and experiences in addressing issues related to women and children.

Dr. Rieke Dyah Pitaloka, Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) for the 2024–2029 period, delivered a sharing session titled “The Challenges of Women Supporting Women”.

The topic emphasized the importance of solidarity and support among women. In facing various social, professional, and personal challenges, women should not only be encouraged to become strong individually, but also to build a supportive ecosystem where women empower one another.

Dr. Rieke Dyah Pitaloka encouraged Indonesian women to work together in strengthening women and child protection systems through institutional reform, regulatory improvement, stronger PPA-PPO frameworks, data transformation, and collaboration between Polwan, women’s organizations, academics, media, government institutions, and the legislative body.

Meanwhile, AKBP (Ret.) Endang Sri Lestari, S.H., M.Si., Advisor of the Indonesian Child Protection Institute (LPAI) Jakarta, presented a session titled “Strong and Empowered Polwan Protecting Women and Children”.

Her perspective based on experience in law enforcement and child protection strengthened the message that protecting women and children requires courage, competence, empathy, and commitment to supporting victims.

The presence of speakers from law enforcement, legislative institutions, child protection organizations, and civil society organizations highlighted that creating effective protection systems requires collaboration from multiple sectors.

From Sharing Sessions to Cooking Demonstrations

Besides sharing experiences and ideas, the event was also designed in a more engaging atmosphere through a cooking demonstration with Studio Kreasi Sasa.

The session featured Rida Atmiyanti from Studio Kreasi Sasa together with Chef Kong, creating an interactive experience where participants connected through a light yet meaningful activity.

This activity symbolized that strengthening women’s resilience can also be achieved through togetherness, creativity, and empowerment.

The event concluded with a shared meal, creating a stronger bond between WCR Indonesia, Polda Metro Jaya, speakers, and participants.

One Police Woman, Extraordinary Impact

The 78th Anniversary celebration of Polwan through this activity delivered the message that women police officers are not only present in law enforcement roles but also have a strategic position in providing protection, building public trust, and becoming part of the response system for women and children’s issues.

The theme “One Police Woman, Extraordinary Impact” serves as a reminder that one woman with courage, competence, empathy, and care can create a meaningful impact on the people and communities around her.

For WCR Indonesia, the 78th Anniversary of Polwan also became an opportunity to continue strengthening cross-sector collaboration in creating more comprehensive protection for women and children.

Through the spirit of “Rise and Speak”, WCR Indonesia encourages women to speak up, support each other, understand their rights, and work together to create a safer and more empowered environment.

Because when women dare to speak, other women no longer feel alone. And when women empower one another, a stronger force is created to protect future generations.

Group photo with participants during the celebration of the 78th Anniversary of Polwan.

Participants take part in a sharing session on strengthening the role of women police officers in protecting women and children with the Director of the Women and Children Protection Directorate (PPA-PPO) of Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Pol. Dr. Rita Wulandari Wibowo, S.I.K., M.H.

Sharing insights and inspiration with Dr. Rieke Dyah Pitaloka, Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) for the 2024–2029 term.

Participants sharing moments together during the cooking demonstration with Studio Kreasi Sasa.

Group photo with Polwan officers as a symbol of commitment and spirit to create strong and empowered women police officers.