This paper looks at the constraints and potentials of NGOs and women’s groups in Indonesia in advocating for women’s interests and needs. An understanding of these processes has to be placed not only within the dynamics of national politics but also of international polities. We argue that international pressure has given a degree of political space for the expression of discontent and opposition. However the ability of supra-national powers to intervene into national politics particularly regarding human rights, is limited. State intervention against the advocacy for women’s interests is not inherently repressive, because the Indonesian state ideology perceives women as primarily associated with the domestic sphere and thus not threatening. This provides women with some leeway. But because it is generally considered that women meet with less resistance from military apparatus, male political activists and NGOs often incorporate women and women’s issues in their activities. This may not always work in favour of women since in the process their interests may be forgotten or denied. This situation is enhanced by the patriarchal values often prevailing in local communities.
