As part of Universitas Indonesia’s (UI) commitment to supporting community empowerment, the UI Community Service (Pengmas) Team participated in the 2024 Wowine Festival in Wakatobi Regency, Southeast Sulawesi. This event was held by the Southeast Sulawesi Tourism and Creative Economy Office with the theme “Harmoni Perempuan Maritim” (Harmony of Maritime Women) involving various parties, including Wakatobi women, academics, activists, PKK members, Dharma Wanita, and the wider community.
Head of the UI Pengmas Team, Dr. Retno Lestari, M.Si., a lecturer at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), emphasized that the development of knowledge and sustainable training for Wakatobi women is the main focus. “Most of the Wakatobi people’s livelihoods are fishermen, sailors, farmers, and traders. In this maritime culture, women play an important role in maintaining family welfare, making decisions, and educating children when their husbands sail or work outside the region,” said Retno.
She emphasized data from Stellar Women and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), which shows that more than 60% of MSMEs in Indonesia are managed by women. “Wakatobi women have great potential to develop the MSME sector. By utilizing unique local potential and strengthening marketing strategies, financial management, and product quality, they can improve the family economy,” she added.
The Chair of the UI Alumni Association (ILUNI), Dr. Endang Mariani, M.Psi., also highlighted the importance of strong character in facing economic challenges. “A healthy character, both in terms of emotions and ways of thinking, will form women who are more independent and resilient in the economic sector,” said Endang. She then mentioned the local principle of “tara, turu, toro” as a symbol of the loyalty and resilience of Wakatobi women.
During the festival at Alun-Alun Merdeka, Wanci Island, Wakatobi, on August 23, 2024, various interesting activities were presented such as Women’s Discussions, Cultural Attractions, Women’s Photo Exhibitions, Film Screenings, Hekente Attractions, MSME Mini Expos, Free Medical Treatment, and Folk Entertainment. Also present were a number of important figures, including the Regional Secretary of Wakatobi, Nadar, the Chairperson of the Wakatobi PKK Team, Eliati Heliana, and the Chairperson of the Dharma Wanita Persatuan, Andi Syarif.
In her speech, Nadar emphasized that the resilience of coastal women is an important symbol of the Wowine Festival. “Coastal women, through their determination and contribution to the economy, education, and environmental preservation, have become role models for their communities,” she said.
Meanwhile, Eliati Heliana highlighted that the resilience of Wakatobi women has been inherited since the era of the Buton Sultanate. “Wakatobi women have the role models of historical figures such as Wa Kaa Kaa and Wa Ode Wakelu, who are symbols of emancipation and strength,” she said.
In addition to attending the Wowine Festival, the UI Community Service Team also ran an empowerment program on Binongko Island, Wakatobi Regency. Dr. Retno and the team assisted local PKK members in developing MSMEs, with the aim of maintaining the rotation of the local economy.
