CHALLENGING THE TRADITION OF JAVANESE WOMEN

Given the diversity of people and cultures in Indonesia, it is difficu lt to speak about Indonesian women in general. Therefore, this paper e xamines the tradition of Javanese women and how this is being challeng ed by the women's movement. The women's groups in Indonesia, both trad itional and those within the movement, are discussed in historical out line, including those supported by the government and non-governmental organizations. These have been classified as Conformist, Reformist an d Transformist, a typology that seeks to discuss the range of activiti es undertaken by the groups, of which all are not progressively inclin ed. Some of the groups' activities are focused on bringing about gende r equality and have kindled hope for improving Javanese women's lives. However, the obstacles that remain are numerous and represent a long and arduous struggle that is being, and is likely to be, undertaken in the future.