US Embassy reports on women's organizations in Indonesia and friendship-society regulation, Oct 1961

=== [PDF page 1] === AirPouch DONOT TYPEIN THIS SPACE N__I1D (Secutily CIaiicaiion) PRIORITY FOREIGN SERVICE DESPATCH FROM 217- Amembassy DJAKARTA TIS II'AtTainNT DESP. NO. 01' STATIC. wASIIINOTON. October 961 DATE SUBJECT: Transmittal of Supreme War Administrator Regulation on International Friendship Societies Enclosed are copies of an unofficial translation of the Supreme War Administration Regulation on International Friendship Societies. The Binational Center (Lembago Indonesia-Amerika) haa filed wth the authorities the necessary information showing, that it mee4the provisi ns of the regulation. For the Ambassador: Rolland H. Bushnor Counselor of Bnbassy for Political Affairs &holosure: Five thermofaxed copies of an unofficial translation of the Supreme War Administration Regulation on International Friendship Societies, July 18, Irr"I. 1961. Dept Pass To: V sAW BoVMwCHi 10 Medan, Surabaya. Cleared in draft with Mr. Congleton of USIS = REPORTER ciE UNCLASSIFIED ACTION COPY-DEPARTMENT OF, STATE 1e0with an endorsement of action taken. The acUon omeo must turn this penanennt rcoordCOPY to DOR === [PDF page 2] === Enclosure No. 1LDespatch No Dated...a..2.... UNOFFICIAL T tISlATIONl* RGTION OFIO 1961. NO.. 15, INSTI'UTIONS FOR INTINATIOUAL FRI2NDSP IN INDONESIA PREIDEE OF SUFE im REPBLIC OP INDONIA WAR ADMINISTRATOR Considering 1. that it is necessary to hoed an active dnd independent foroien policy, the Indonesian national identity, and the interest of peace and order in Indonesia in tho context of friendly rolations between the Indonesian poplo ana peoples of othe2' countries; 2, that it is necessary to regulate the institutions for international friendship with a viow. to prevent influonos that could damage the Indonesian national identity and that may be capable to disturb peace and order in indonesiaF Rioalling Decrees of the Prosidont of the Republic of Indonesian No. 315, 1959, No. 3, 1960 and No. 353, 1960; 21 Articlo 10 paragraph 2 in conjunction with artiolos- 23, end 36 of Govornmont Rogulation -in lieu or Act No., 23 of tho yor 1959 (State Gazette 1959 No. 139 - State Gazotto Supplomont No. 1908). concerning the State of Emorgonoy Aet as amondod in the Government Regulation -in lieu- of Act No.. 52 of the yoar 1959 (State Gazette 1959.No. 139.- State Gazette Supplement No.1908). HAS D3CID'EDt' REGULATION CONCDINING INSTI0T IONS FOR INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP IN INDONESIA T oenaot 'Artiolo The Institutions for International Friondship as known by this rogulatiQn, 'which aro horooftbr callod Friendship Institutions, are such private organisations with the objuo$ of friendship andL oo-oporation in cultural fAold betwoon thu.Indonolian pcoplo the peoples of other states'. and Article 2. Friendship-Institutions falling outside this provision are consequently prohibited. Article 3 Friendship Institutions shall only toostablishod in citios'whoro o7eroin Mission of the respoetivo states are located,,(in Indonosiu) ator-havingibtined a proviotas Aftairs. Artilo nsont from the Minister of Foroign Friendship Institutions shall not: i. be detrimental to the, basic piineiplos and policy of the Republic of Indonesia; 2. be incompatible with the independent and active foreign policy 3. bo contrary to the Indcosian National Idontityof Athoieouun'ry; 4. interfere in the intornAl politics (cffaWr ititbanoo of pence and tinsinv oa . conduct ativf tics Nombora of the Board o: from Djakarta ocutivo of tho Friendship Institutions shall consist of.both Indonosa$.n and foroign nationals, with the proviso'that the majority and oithor the.Chairn or the Soorotary shall bo of Indonosian nationality- === [PDF page 3] === Article 6. Friendship Institutions already in oxistonoo shall nakc nocucasar:adjustments, within thirty-dogs after the day this regulation ta. offot, so as to comply. with tho provisions containod in Article.z 2, 3, 4 and 5 of this. regulation. Article 7v Friendship Institutions which fail to comply with provisions contain-A in artiola 3, 4 and 5 of this. regulation, by virtue of this roeulation shall be deolarod prohibited.. Artiolo"S. This r gulation shall bo effective in regione.brdvail under tho state of civil omorgenoy, stato of military emergonoy and under martial law. Article This regulation takes offoot on the.day of prouulgation. In ordor that overyono be cognizant, orders tzw promulgation of thin regulation to boing published in the. Stato Gasotto of the Ropublic of Indonosias knacted in Djakarta on July 18,.1961. Prosidont/Supremo ComaMer of the Armod Yorcos of the Ropublio of Indonosia, Slpromo War Administrator ?romulgatoa. in Djakarta on July 18, 1961 TATE S"rY H0I0D. I CH s' U K A A N 0. State Casotto 1961 No. 262. === [PDF page 4] === DONOT TYPE IN THIS SFI? CONFIDENTIAL Air Pouch PRIORITY FOREIGN SERVICE DESPATCII FROM nembassy DJAKARTA vaui nDES Simi 271.^ P. NO. TIItC i)tut'AitTMIMNT OP REF C-529, July 20, 1961; Embdes 638, Feb 27, 1961; Embdes 789, April 11,1961; Embdes 36, July 18, 1961. ACTION UseiOnly SUBJECT: STATIC, WASIINUTON., October 26 1961 DEPT. y_ 44 Af-f2. A A~ L Role of Women in Indonesia: Women's Organizations Women in Indonesia play a unique role compared with that of their sisters in other predominantly Moslem societies. In addition to their functions as homemakers and mothers of large numbers of children, Indonesian women are involved in many activities outside the home; their interests tend to be concentrated, like those of women in Western societies, on health, education, welfare and charity, but a number of Indonesian women also play important roles in government, foreign policy and domestic politics. (See brief biographic notes on some influential Indonesian women attached.) Many also exert an unusually important influence on their husbands who are remarkably dependent on their wives. The emancipated role of Indonesian women is to be explained in part at least, by the fact that the Dutch colonialists did not apply e frictionss education for women than for men. Thus, many of the/ women in Indonesian society today are the product of Western education which brought them in contact with concepts of equality for women. Indonesian women also participated in the movement for Independence and could rightly claim after 1915 to have contributed their share in the success of the Revolution. Along with Independence, Indonesian women acquired the vote and promptly became organized into political parties and organizations as well as into women's movements of a non-political nature. Another explanation for the present role of women in Indonesia is the traditional high status accorded them in various Indonesian societies, which reaches an extreme in the matriarchial society of the Minangkabau of Sumatra. In some other tribal groups in Indonesia, women have long been considered equal to men in the making of all major decisions. Seclusion of women (the "purdah" system') has not been characteristic of Indonesian society, although there have been (andprobably still are) isolated areas where women are relegated solely to functions as:.childhearers and manual laborers. As a predominantly Moslem society, Indonesididagniz9 the institution polyganrg and various women's organizations frequently feel called upon to castigate the institution as inappropriate for a modern country. However, the institution is dying out largely because of economic pressures and probably will ncrequire a legislative ban to disappear entirely. The significant role women have to play in Indonesia is recognized by [ndonesians generally, as well as by the Lovernment. President Sukarno has CONFIDENTIAL ACTION-COPY -DEPARTMENT OF STATE 'The action omc. must retun this permanent recond copy to DC/RMAkas with an endorsement of action taken. === [PDF page 5] === CONFIDENTIAL 6**80 Page Enc. No. Desp. No Prom 271 Djakarta designated women as one of the seventeen functional groups represented in legislative and advisory bodies, and has appointed women to the Parliament and People's Consultative Congress, to the Supreme Advisory Council and the National He appointed a woman as Minister of Social Affairs in 19146-147, Planning Board. and another as Indonesia's first Roving Ambassador in 1961, after she gave up her previous assignment as Ambassador designate to the United States. Women now hold positions of authority and responsibility in various government departments (Foreign Affairs, education, and Health). Thus Mrs. Dr. Subandrio, wife of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has recently served as Acting Minister of Health. All major political parties have auxiliary organizations for women and women serve in Women are leaders their own right on the cormittees which direct the parties. in voluntary organizations, such as the Red Cross, and take an active role in relief and other charitable organizations. Another indication of the importance of women in Indonesia is the careful The PKI has its own women's attention paid to them as a gropby communists. able, and efficient in carrying out communist is voca, organization wih Indonesian women are also incorporated in the leadership, actual or policies. token, of communist front organizations such as the Indonesian Peace Committee, the Indonesian Organization for Afro-Asian Solidarity. International communist organizations are persistent and skillful in winning the sympathies and supp~luding of Indonesian women; women leaders are invited to visit the Bloc countries (zmwc Communist China), where they are given rod carpet treatment and female personalities from Bloc countries are sent on visits to Indonesia. US interest in the role of women in Indonesia has found expression in the long-standing practice of supporting the travel to the United States of qualified women. Leader and specialist grants in the past have been awarded to women, in considerable numbers, and ICA has sent a large number of women for technical training in various fields to the United States or to third countries. USIS and the Embassy have been sympathetic to requests for assistance from women's groups and many wives of American personnel stationed here have developed firm relations Recognizing the importance with Indonesian women and with women's organizations. d women and the important influence many Indonesian ladies have on their husbands, the Embassy has embarked upon a special program to include wivesofCabinet Ministers in invitations to visit the United States under the Leader Program. Similarly, Consulate posts at fldan and Surabaya are being asked to devote full exchange nominations of women forhthe.Jxmittinp attention to the possibility of program in such fields as education, public health, welfare and community developmei"." The Embassy continues to feel as it has in the past that these approaches The Embassy to Indonesian women en masse are most productive in the long run. / feels that little, if~anything, would be gained by the creation of a special office or program for Indonesian women as a part of USIS or of ICA. Women's Organizations Indonesian women are organized into various groups on political, social, or Thus each of the major political parties, and some of the minor religious basis. Perhaps the most active of these cnes as well, has its own women's auxiliary. are those of the PKI (GFFHANI), PNI (Wanita Demokrat), NU (Musliinat) and Murba CONFIDENTIAL === [PDF page 6] === Page CONFIDENTIAL FORM Encl. No Desp. No From 271 Diakarta -(Pakmu). In a large measure, the leadership of these women's organizations There are in addition leaders. falls on th wives of prominent political branches of the armed forces: Army (Persit), "wives associations" for the various Istri A.t.R.I.-PIA) and Police Navy (Djalasenastri), Air force (Persatuan have their awn association, as do wives Wives of journalists (hayangkari). Women there is an Association of University men involved in other professions, and attention some devote organizations in Indonesia. While some of these are social organizations, the major charitable activities, in the main they focus for their own social activities. function cf which is to give wives a are organized into About thirty-seven of the various women's organizations referred to as popularly continues which Wanit, a federation, the Kong'res from 1915 to existed KOANI organization. KO.ANI, the name of its predecessor been accorded had organization, federated timea 9O0and, although even at that out revocarry organizations member considerable power and authority by its converted to Kongres Wanita and its was KOUANI 1950, functions. lutionary prerogatives, insisted that KkIJANI be member organizations, jealous of their own powers. executive a federation with limited in 1961, when changes in the structure This situation continued until early of a now chairman, new board and appointment the resulted Kongres of the The move was apparently inexecutive. Kongros's the granting of more powers with President Sukarno's comply Kongres the leaders spired by the desire to represent each organization mass single predilicticn for the creation of support group) and to mobilize functional group includingg the women's functional The of conversation). memorandum attached (See policies. and for his programs on the role of women in his views his some outlined fact, had, President feelings by his uncomplimentary address to the Kongres, injuring some sensitive and activities of women. Although some references to nongrevolutioayinterests about the work of re-organizing of his remarksnwere resented, the women proceeded off smoothly. the Kongres and everything appeared to go appointment of Mrs. Subandrio, These efforts to re-style Ka4ANI resulted in the taken by the Kongres decisions the and President Minister, wife of the Foreign the GEIfrANI claim to diminution some result in its 1961 meeting appeared communist women's the Over women. Indonesian the role of actively representing that the suggesting resolution passed a organization's objection, the Kongres Front; GoRWANI had apparently National the women represent Kongres officially the resolutions of the Kongres to preferred to omit the resolution and restrict support of Manipol/USDEK, in hope thatitowwme' Massa) mightecmsoerpeettvofwmnithNaialrn. The front ognzto (Gerakan has ceased to be important. This is not to suggest, however, that GEEWANI since the Kongres occasions number any vocal organization has been this or that stand, in supporting the meeting in urging the government to support New Guinea, and other issues.A government's policy on anti-colonialism, West of the Women's International meetings Budapest CERAINI official recently attended to other members have made visits Democratic Federation, and other GLdANI organizations, OE MANI continues to communist other Like countries. communist framework of the Kongres. Lbe independently active while remaining within the CONFIDENTIAL === [PDF page 7] === Desp. No 271 FtmeDjakarta 6*1"60oCONFIDENTIAL the Exactly what the role of/women's federation will be in the future is, like the prospective roles for youth, student, labor and other mass organizations, It appears that President Sukarno would like to emphasize the some'ihat uncertain. functional groups as organs of mass support rather than political parties. However, to date he has succeeded only in limiting the number of political parties and in producing a hind of facade of unanimity through application of the NASAKOM As a result of his failure up to now to do away with political parties concept. entirely, he may not for a number of years be able to give mass organizations their desired functions in Indonesian politics, and he will likely attempt further to refine these organizations, their aims and their operating techniques. Considered as a social group rather than a political force, it is probable As in that women will play an increasingly important role in Indonesian society. the past, women will continue to be active in such fields as education, child They may also be expected to take welfare, charity, social work, and health. increasing interest in foreign policy and domestic politics, both of which fields offer them opportunity to express themselves and win recognition for their considerable energies, talents, and intelligence. For the Ambassador: Rolland H. Bushner Counselor of Embassy for Political Affairs Enclosures: 1. Memorandum of Conversation 2. Biographic Notes Dept Pass to: Modan, CLEARANCE: Surabaya. USIS USOM CONFIDENTIAL === [PDF page 8] === Page IAL--. (ClatuIcation) ECOnD Fro 271 _Desp.No._ Djaka Memorandum of Conversation DATE: March 8, 1961 PARTICIPANTS: Mrs. Maria llibh Santoso, Head of First Minister's Secretariat, and ex-President of.the Kongres Wanita Mr. Rolland H. Bushner, Counselor for Political AffairsU SUBJECT: Revision of Statutes of Kongres Wanita; National Front Revision of Statutes of Kongress Wanita Wanita (KW), said Mrs. Santoso, until last February President of the Kongres of countering the criticisms means seeking been had she years sevoral for that national women's federof the communist-sponsored Gerakan Massa (GM), a would-be the KW's undynamic that others many and President the told While GM has ation. explanation lay in the character was a product of her leadership, the real and severely restricted the organization's statutes which made it a federation As background she explained that the KOWANI, a preauthority of its board. granted sweeping decessor organization which existed from 1945-1950, had been out revolutionary carry enable organizations women's member powers by the KW, member orinto converted was revolution, the functions; when, after type orfederation insisted ganizations jealous of their independence The result was an board. ganization and withdrew executive powers from the institution without authority. revision of the at Since late 1956, she said, she had tried to bring about chief opponent of the Ironically, board. the authority statutes to give more had led comwhich organization women's communist such change was Gerwani, the The Gerwani feared such a change would plaints about the KW's lack of dynamism. to supplant the KWwith the dilute its influence within the KW,and hoped in time for the revision of the Mrs. Santoso explained how she had cleared the way The first question years. three first its meeting, KW statutes at its recent Mrs. Santoso said she had was to find a new leader acceptable to the Gerwani. only acceptable to the comconsidered for the position three ladies who were not Two of them, Mrs. Suryadarma and munists but who also had the President's ear. to non-communist KWmembers. Mrs. Arudji Kartawinata, she discarded as unacceptable public speaker and inadequate and leader poor Furthermore, Mrs. Suryadarma although she heads Subandrio, Mrs. third, The one. Mrs. Kartawinata represents three. the best the was a very small women's organization, of the Indonesian Thus, when Mrs. Hidajat, communist fronter and President for a more effective need the discuss September her came Peace Committee, CONFIDENTIAL === [PDF page 9] === CONFIDENTIALn. C_,.._Desp. (Clafi caton) Page End. N No.1-From From DIakaI43_____ akra national women's organization, Mrs. Santoso was ready for her. They had a frank discussion in which Mrs. Hidajat said Mrs. Santoso was too pro-West and should she was give up the Presidency of the KW, and Mrs. Santoso told Mrs. Hidajat too close to the communists, who were using her for their own purposes. In the end Mrs. Santoso recommended Mrs. Subandrio as the nominee for President of the dynamic" KW, and revision of the organization's statutes to enable it to be "more as the "progressive forces" had been demanding. Mrs. Hidajat agreed to these proposals, adding that Mrs. Subandrio, unlike the heads of some other women's organizations represented in the MW, would be acceptable to the "progressives" (i.e. GERWANI; and the Murba women's organization, Pahumu). In October, Mrs. Santoso stated, she informed Mrs. Subandrio of her intention to encourage her election as president and, at Mrs. Subandrio's insistence, "agreed She also explained to Mrs. Subandrio and to help her when she was elected." separately to other important leaders within the federation the importance electing a president acceptable to GERWANI, so as to get their agreement to a This revision of the statutes which would give the KW more executive authority. was necessary, she told non-communist Kaileaders, to bring the MW in line with new trends since the reinstitution of the 19h5 Constitution, and thereby to ensure that the MW rather than the GM would have the opportunity to represent women in Although representatives of Persit (Armay Wives Organization), the National Front. the Police Wives Organization, the NU women's organization, and even the PNI women's organization claimed they would prefer Mrs. Santoso as president, they were finally convinced by her arguments, she said. At the W meeting all went as planned: Mrs. Subandrio was named President, the statutes were revised and a resolution was passed asking that the Kongres Mrs. Santoso stated that an important factor represented in the National Front. in obtaining agreement to revision of the statutes to permit increased executive authority was the speech the President made, owing to the intercession of Mrs. SuIn the closed meeting which followed Mrs. Santoso bandrio, at the opening mieting. was able to use his "magic words" calling for a more effective women's organization as an argument to put down GFWRIANI arguments against such revision. (Obviously a communist sponsored organization such as GEMRANI could not flout the President's advice.) An interesting sidelight was her description of the GEIWANI effort to prevent passage of a resolution requesting KW representation in the National Front. Mrs. Santoso said this effort resulted from a communist fear that MW would serve Another representative at the to dilute any communist influence in the Front. meeting presented a motion prepared in advance by Mrs. Santoso to the effect that This passed and was turned over to the U desired to participate in the Front. an ad ho: committee for phrasing in the form of a resolution to be presented to But soon a member of this committee informed the presiding chairthe~-resident. man (representative of the NU women's organization) that the committee was deadlocked: Mrs. Mudigdo, President of GEfANI, was asserting it was not necessary to go further than the original GERWANI-proposed resolution that the KW "supported" Upon the advice of Mrs. Santoso, however, the chairman ruled the National Front. that there should be two resolutions: one indicating that the KW "supported" the National Front, and the other requesting participation therein. CONFIDENTIAL === [PDF page 10] === CONFIDENTIAL Page Encl. No. i..-of From_ Djakarta Desp. No.271-- (Classification) delegation Mrs. Santoso added that she had been present when the Kongres She said that at one time during presented its resolutions to the President. that his the discussion which ensued, the President explained to the ladies them to work more acspeech was not intended to offend them but to encourage Mrs. Santoso took this tively among the people for Indonesian development. Wanita in its developKongres the utilize government the that urge opportunity Kongres represenenable supplied funds that suggested She efforts. ment convinced that She people. the with work and villages the tatives to go Elaborating upon her proposal, she exthe President favored this suggestion. inexhaustible funds plained to the reporting officer that GEFv4ANI has apparently workers to and is therefore able to pay per diem and travel expenses for GER1ANI members, she said, Kongres fellow out pointed has She villages. the out 300 million that the Kongres should obtain for such purposes a portion of the expenses. its for Front National the given annually rupiah POL:RHIushner:sts CONFIDENTIAL === [PDF page 11] === Page CONFIDENTIAL Enc. No. Desp. No 271 Frn, Diakarta Brief Biographic Notes on Some Influential Indonesian Women Mrs. Maria Ulfah Santoso She was born in 1911 Mrs. Santoso i3 one of Indonesia's leading women. and, after completing secondary education in Indonesia, attended the University of Leyden where she received a law degree in 1933. She is a widow. She participated in the independence struggle and was appointed as the first woman to She has been active hold a portfolio in the Indonesian Cabinet of 1946-1947. in the Indonesian Socialist Party (now banned) and has served as Chief of Cabinet for Indonesian Prime Ministers since about 1949. She also was chairman of the Indonesian Film Censorship Board in the 1950's and she has been a inShe has represented fluential figure in women's organizations of Indonesia. Indonesia in various Afro-Asian and UN-sponsored conferences and has visited She is anti-communist many foreign countries including the United States (1957). in political orientation and at times has appeared to oppose President Sukarno's She has been an ardent nationalist and political concept of Guided Democracy. an active spokesman in furthering the power and influence of women. She is Mrs. Santoso's fluent in English as well as in Indonesian Dutch and German. sister is married to Minister of Education Prijono. Mrs. Hurustiati Subandrio She is a Mrs. Subandrio is the wife of Indonesia's Foreign Minister. medical doctor in her own right anran official of the Department of Health. Her position in the Department is one of considerable prestige and influence, although she does not officially bear a title of rank. Mrs. Subandrio is extremely active She has not been averse to in women's affairs and in other organizations. lending her name to organizations with a political connotation in some cases of a pro-communist or leftist character. irs. Subandrio has in addition to her medical degree a doctorate in social anthropology from London University and has published a book on peasant life. She speaks English and possibly other foreign languages as well. She has accompanied her husband on some of his assignments abroad and is currently in the United States on a Leader Grant. She has become extremely active in the National Front organization and in March 1961 she was elected president of the Kongres Wanita, the Indonesian federation of women's organizations. She reportedly is on good terms with President Sukarno. Mrs. Suryadarma Mrs. Suryadarma is the wife of the Minister/AF Chief of Staff and extremely active in women's affairs and associated organizations. She is one of the chairmen of the Indonesian organization for Afro-Asian People's Solidarity and She is also in connection with this organization has traveled extensively. associated with the women's federation (now called Kongres Wanita) and under its predecessor, KOWANI, she served as the chairman of the Children's Welfare FoundaLtion. She was at one time chairman of the educational section of the communist CONFIDENTIAL === [PDF page 12] === FOM FS-43 CONFIDENTIAL EndNo Desp. No.271 From Djakarta She is also a member of the ' women's mass movement (Gerakan Masa Wanita). Indonesian Peace Cormmittee, a member of the Anti A and H Bomb Movement and e was appointed to the a SfI9 n rgs participated in the World nohsi r1iliation, some doubt hgEn ero National Planning Council She exists that she is in fact a member of the Indonesian Communist Party. is reported, however, to have been at one time associated with important comShe is believed to have great influence on her husband, perhaps munist figures. because of a rumored close liaison at an earlier time with President Sukarno. Although many of her associations would suggest an anti-American bias, she has at tires been cordial in her relations with Americans and does not overtly proOne of her sisters claim her political sympathies in the company of Americans. is married to Indonesian Ambassador to France Tamzil, and former Indonesian She was born in Ambassador to Australia Utoyo is reported to be her brother. She speaks 1917 and reportedly received her education entirely in Indonesia. English fluently. Mrs. Aminah Ratu Hidajat Mrs. Hidajat is married to the Deputy Minister for Security and is extremely She is chairman of the peace movement and is active in many organizations. Although it is not clear active in the Organization for Afro-Asian Solidarity. whether or not she is a member of the Communist Party, she shows no hesitation about lending her name to various organizations with a pro-communist orientation. She apparently had no personal experience in the revolutionary movement and her present position and activities are the subject of considerable criticism by other Indonesian ladies. Mrs. Hidajat has traveled abroad mostly in connection with her Afro-Asian connection but also to communist countries as well. Army sources claim she is their "spy" among the communists. Mrs. Umi Sardjono Mrs. Sardjono has been chairman of GERWANI, the communist women's organization. She has also been a member of Parliament and affiliated with international women's She has not acknowledged membership in the PKI, but on and peace movements. many occasions she has taken an active part in communist-sponsored affairs. Mrs. Sardjono has attended WIDF conferences frequently, meetings of the World Peace Council, the 1960 International Women's Conference in Copenhagen, and the International Mothers' Congress in 1956. She is considered a competent and able organizer who, even if not a PKI member, plays an important role in communist activities. Mrs. Supeni Mrs. Supeni is currently Indonesia's only Roving Ambassador, a title which she received when her appointment as Ambassador to the United States was withdrawn. Mrs. Supeni had been until her appolndent an active and respected member a member of of the Indonesian Nationalist Party (PNI),/ Parliament and at one time was chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament. In addition to her Ambassadorial appointment, Mrs. Supeni now serves as Acting Head of the Asian Pacific Division of the Foreign Office. Mrs. Supeni Lis subject of considerable criticism because of her divorce and second marriage CONFIDENTIAL === [PDF page 13] === FORM FS"439a CONFIDENTIAL End. No. Desp. No itom 271 Djakarta s well as because of her rumored liaison at an earlier time with President Sukarno. She was born in about 1917 and has considerable stature because of her nationalist, revolutionary career. She has traveled extensively abroad to Communist China, India, the United States and other countries. Although she privately is anti-communist in her political belief, she does not appear an outspoken critic of Indonesia's present reliance upon the Bloc. She speaks English well and is considered one of Indonesia's leading ladies. Mrs. Leimena Mrs. Leimena is the wife of the Minister of Distribution who has been serving as Acting President during the absence of President Sukarno and the illness of First Minister Djuanda. Mrs. Leimena was born in 1908 and received her education in Indonesia. She traveled to Holland and England in 19119 and visited the United States in 1958. She is an outspoken woman of rather conservative tastes, a Christian by religion and at times a critic of the President. Mrs. Leimena has on occasion publicly indicated her disapproval of Sukarno's marriage to Hartini and for a considerable time was reported to lead a group of ladies who refused to recognize Hartini. The Leimenas have numerous children whose travel and studies abroad are aggressively pursued by Mrs. Leimena. In addition to family activities Mrs. Leimena is active in church and charitable affairs. Mrs. Hutasoit Mrs. Hutasoit is married to the Secretary General of the National Planning a member of the Indonesian Red Cross. She speaks English well and exercises her considerable intelligence primarily in the realm of Red Cross activities. Council and in her own right is Ibu Sri Mliss Sastroamidjojo, the unmarried sister of PNI Chairman Ali Sastroamidjojo, is known popularly as Ibu Sri. Disclaiming any interest in politics, Ibu Sri has devoted her life to Indonesian independence, nationalism and the development of Red Cross activities. She received a thorough education in Indonesia and has traveled abroad frequently, at times with her brother, at times independently. During her brother's assignment as Ambassador to the United States and Representative to the United Nations Ibu Sri was a part of his household and as a result developed many close friendships with Americans. Like her brother she attempts to follow a neutral course without openly condemning communism or communist activities. She is a well respected member of the Indonesian community, has many close friends and associates from all sectors of Indonesian society, and although connected with aristocratic circles by family relationships, is a true democrat. She is an extremely close associate of Fatmawati, wife of the President. Miss Abdurachman (Paramita) Miss Abdurachman is Secretary General of the Indonesian Red Cross. She is an efficient administrator and on behalf of the Red Cross has traveled abroad. She speaks English well and is an effective speaker at Red Cross benefits and J CONFIDENTIAL === [PDF page 14] === ,I7OM CONFIDENTIAL End. No. Desp. No Frn- 271 Diakarta She attended the 1961 World Red Cross Congress in Prague and,during rallies. as England and the her trip, visiteG East Germany and the Soviet Union as well She is not believed to have any political interests or connecUnited States. tions. Mrs. Prijono and in her Mrs. Prijono is married to the Minister of Education and Culture She is own right is associated with some organizations of a political character. the Indoseen frequently in the company of Mrs. Suryadarma and is a member of nesian Organization for Peace and Afro-Asian Solidarity, and the Movement but gntoso Maria sister the She Bombs. Moihers against sister. her outlook anti-communist is believed she is Mrs. Arudji Kartawinata and is active in Mrs. Arudji is married to the chairman of the PSII party member of GER~iANI, known was she time earlier political affairs. to Communist China in the communist women's organization, and following visits favorable to the Chicon 1954, 56 and 59, she made a number of public statements Mrs. Arudji in 1958. husband her with Union Soviet the visited also She regime. in Copenhagen. She is Women Conference International 1960 the attended also She was a vice chairman of the a member of the National Front Central Board. known to be a member of the Indonot She 1948. Indonesian Peace Committee leftist if not pro-communist appears she nesian Communist Party, although for a nomination in political orientation. In March of 1961 she was considered since she as president of the Kongres Wanita, but her candidacy was rejected She organizations. h and non-commnit impoxtant e to some of the leaderprogram.gnztos husbadcceptab wouldb visited the United States mupner the husband her Mrs. Mudigdo (Mukdigdo) for a number of Mrs. Mudigdo has been a member of the Indonesian Parliament but it appears background, her known much Not PKI. the years representing behalf of the PKI Aidit. Chairman PKI married now her daughter to communist or the Communist Women's Federation (GERWANI) she has traveled countries and communist-sponsored international meetings. Mrs. Sumarno of Djakarta Mrs. Sumarno is married to Brigadier General Sumarno, Governor and affairs women's community active and Raja. Mrs. Sumarno is a lawyer child welfare activities in Djakarta. Mrs. Herawati Diah She Mrs. Diah is married to the Indonesian Ambassador to Czechoslovakia. and political cultural, Indonesian figure is in her own right an influential She is the publisher of the Indonesian Observer, an English social circles. She has received education both in Indonesia and language daily newspaper. time Mr. and Mrs. Diah were reportedly Abroad (BA Barnard 1941). At an earlier CONFIDENTIAL === [PDF page 15] === FORM PS-dS9a 6.1.60 ~Desp. CONFIDENTIALnc. NoFrom 271 Djakarta very close associates of President Sukarno. Mrs. Dish is considered by some observers as exceptionally intelligent. In the past she has been cordial in at the errelations vth /rericans, and this year visited the United States Ibu All Ibu Ali is Mrs. All Sastroamidjojo, wife of the PHI chairman. Although she is an aristocrat by reason of her family connections, she is popular with IndoShe accompanied her husband during his nesians from all levels of society. assignments abroad and because of her husband's position, she plays an active role in Indonesian society. By training and experience a teacher, Ibu Ali devotes considerable energy to welfare and educational endeavors. Fatmawati Fatmawati is a controversial figure in Indonesian social circles. She apparently was discarded by the President in favor of his present wife, Hartini, but has reportedly refused to grant him a divorce. Her cause has been supported by Indonesian women generally, many of whom strongly disapprove of the institution of polygany. As a result the position of Fatmawati often leads to considerable criticism of the President and his personal life. Fatmawati is supported in large measure by some of the leading ladies of Djakarta and some of the military wives. In her own right she demonstrates a considerable talent for public speaking, for dramatizing herself and for politics. She has in recent years become active in the Indonesian Red Cross and other charitable organizations. On occasion, whenever the President is out of Indonesia, she moves back into the Djakarta palace to be with her children, who live there and visit her only occasionally when the President is at home. She speaks a limited amount of English but is friendly in her relations with Americans. In spite of the difficulties of her present position, Fatmawati is referred to by the press and public as "Indonesia's First Lady." Hartini Hartini is the wife of the President and makes her home in the Bogor palace. She occupies a difficult role, since her husband apparently has not officially designated her in all respects as his "First Lady." However a number of foreign diplomats have been advised that their wives must call on Hartini first and Hartini does act as the President's official hostess for im tant visitors. Not a great deal is known about Hartini's past. She speaks/"E.nglish and has been friendly in her relations with Americans. Many Indonesian ladies criticize her and do not hesitate to gossip about her publicly. CONFIDENTIAL