Srikandi History

The concept of I.W.F.A (Indonesian Wives of Foreigners Association) was initiated in mid 1996. Pondok Indah Elementary School (PIE), part of Jakarta International School (J.I.S) was buy preparing programs for the approaching United Nations Day. Keen on having Indonesia, as the host country, being represented well on this special day, some Indonesian mothers decided to form a committee to help the school and to organise a food table. The effort was a success with a strong gotong royong spirit. An array of Indonesian delicacies graced the Indonesian table that day. The amount of dishes received by the Indonesian table was more than expected. After that, one thing lead to another and the women agreed to help the school with their yearly Indonesian Day program in order to introduce Indonesian culture to the school community.
 

On Indonesian Day, in a room packed with students, parents and teachers, a Balinese welcome dance Pendet was performed by the PIE students with Indonesian mothers, followed by a choir involving the Mums too!! Since then the tradition continues with having a pottery table at every Spring Fair at J.I.S. Not only that, these mothers whose first meeting was on the school compound continues with a monthly gathering for arisan with members added from all over Jakarta.

All these women have one thing in common. Their spouses are non Indonesian. So why not have a formal organisation to support this kind of family? The question was often asked during arisan, other functions and opportunities where women who were married to expatriates met. They share many things in common making a home for a bicultural couple. Bringing up children in a two customs two traditions home where Indonesian custom is more dominant whilst many of the children go to expatriate schools with more international influence. What happens if they want to remain in Indonesia? In the case of death of the woman can the husband or children inherit the property or can the husband retire in Indonesia. The list of issues keeps growing and with the future global village society, mixed culture families of Indonesian wives married to foreigners will keep growing to. So with the increased need for this kind of support system, 38 women met at the first get-together to support the beginning of an organisation which will work for them. That day I.W.F.A. was born.

ICAC has kindly agreed to sponsor the activity and will work side by side with I.W.F.A. offering mutual support to each other.

I.W.F.A. had its first Annual General Meeting at ICAC House on the 25th April 2000 to formalise the organisation. A small group of people have been elected to serve as Board Members and Program Coordinators and are responsible for future planning. The mission "to serve as mutual support and to provide a forum for networking, supporting, sharing experiences and information for self improvement to enhance family life"

First meeting attended by Dewi Hardy, Kartini Litsberger, Melani Panambunan, Rahayu Morris, Ries Woodhouse dan Sri Lienau.

Finally, I.W.F.A change the name to Srikandi on 23 September 2000  and officially and legally established through the notary, Mrs. Agustina Junaedi, S.H. on 10 October 2000.