Minority Women in Indonesia: Intersectionality, Gender Justice, and Legal Discrimination Against Ethnic and Religious Minorities

Abstract

This paper examines the compounded legal discrimination faced by women from ethnic and religious minority groups in Indonesia, focusing on the intersectionality of gender, ethnicity, and religion. Indonesian law theoretically offers protections for women’s rights, such as the 2004 Law on the Elimination of Domestic Violence and the 2007 Law on Gender Equality, yet women from minority communities—such as Batak Christian women or Muslim women from marginalized ethnic backgrounds—face compounded forms of discrimination in both public and private spheres. The study analyzes how legal frameworks fail to adequately address the specific challenges these women face, particularly in areas such as land rights, inheritance laws, and access to social services. Using case studies, interviews, and legal analysis, the paper demonstrates how the intersectionality of gender and minority status exacerbates women’s vulnerability to violence, economic exclusion, and social stigma. The paper also explores the role of religious and cultural norms in perpetuating gender-based violence and inequality within minority communities. The findings highlight the need for more inclusive and intersectional legal reforms that specifically address the unique needs of minority women. The paper concludes by recommending the development of comprehensive gender justice policies that incorporate ethnic and religious minority perspectives and ensure equal legal protections for all women, regardless of background.