The increasingly massive digital transformation is considered the main key to breaking down gender barriers in the employment sector. Deputy Speaker of the Central Java Provincial DPRD, Heri Pudyatmoko, emphasized that technological advancements have shifted the workplace paradigm—from one once reliant on physical strength into a more inclusive space for both men and women.
Heri encouraged all stakeholders in Central Java to capitalize on the digitalization momentum to eliminate the gender role gap. According to him, work flexibility, automation systems, and digital platforms now provide equal access, offering women significant opportunities to contribute across various industry lines.
Referring to data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), there is a positive trend in female participation in Central Java, where the female Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in 2025 reached 56.63%. Nevertheless, Heri highlighted challenges in specific sectors, particularly in technology, where female involvement is still limited to 27 percent.
To address this disparity, Heri urged the strengthening of digital literacy and technical skills training for women, such as programming, digital marketing, and e-commerce management. He hopes that local governments, business actors, and the education sector can synergize to provide a more adaptive empowerment ecosystem.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of regulations guaranteeing the safety of digital spaces for women, especially protection against online gender-based violence. For Heri, empowering women through technology is not merely an equality agenda, but a strategic step to accelerate sustainable economic growth in Central Java.
