Emil Dardak 'Demen' Makan Pinggir Jalan, Pencintraankah? #Q&A

Summary

Emil Dardak, former Regent of Trenggalek and Vice Governor of East Java, shares insights into his political career, family background, and his views on gender equality. He discusses the evolving role of women in leadership and the economy in East Java, emphasizing the importance of recognizing women’s contributions, particularly in rural areas. With a blend of personal anecdotes and political insights, Emil advocates for policies that support women, including housewives and female workers, and highlights the significance of cultural and religious discussions in shaping perceptions of female leadership.

Takeaways

• 😀 Emil Dardak is a prominent political figure in East Java, Indonesia, having served as the Vice Governor from 2019 to 2024 and as the Regent of Trenggalek.
• 😀 Born on May 20, 1984, Emil is the son of Hermo Dardak, a former Minister of Public Works, and comes from a family with strong political and religious roots.
• 😀 Before politics, Emil was a musician and released songs between 2009 and 2010, competing with artists like Vidi Aldiano and Afgan.
• 😀 Emil holds a Ph.D. in Development Economics from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan, which he earned in 2013.
• 😀 Despite his political career, Emil leads a modest lifestyle and enjoys street food with his family, showing a down-to-earth side.
• 😀 Emil advocates for egalitarianism in East Java, where political leaders often engage with common people in everyday settings like street food stalls.
• 😀 He believes that leadership should not be determined by gender and supports the growing involvement of women in politics in East Java.
• 😀 Emil supports the recognition of homemaking as a legitimate profession and stresses the importance of supporting women in household roles.
• 😀 He highlights the significant economic contributions of rural women, particularly those involved in farming and trade, who often go unrecognized.
• 😀 Emil has emphasized the need for policies that support single mothers and homemakers, ensuring they have access to financial services and business opportunities.
• 😀 Despite the common trend for political figures to run for higher office, Emil expresses a balanced view, saying he is open to alternative careers outside politics, such as in finance or academia.

Q & A

Who is Emil Dardak, and what are his notable achievements?

Emil Dardak, born on May 20, 1984, is a prominent Indonesian politician who served as the Regent of Trenggalek and the Deputy Governor of East Java from 2019 to 2024. He is also the son of Hermo Dardak, former Vice Minister of Public Works (2010-2014). Emil has a diverse background as a young executive, musician, and holds a Ph.D. in Development Economics from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Japan. Additionally, he has released music and competed alongside well-known Indonesian singers like Vi, Aldiano, and Afgan.

What makes Emil Dardak's leadership and personality stand out?

Emil Dardak's leadership style is appreciated for its humility and down-to-earth nature, as demonstrated by his enjoyment of simple pleasures like eating street food with his family. His approachable personality aligns with the egalitarian values common in East Java, where even political figures and community leaders engage in everyday activities like sharing meals with locals.

What is the significance of Emil Dardak’s family background?

Emil Dardak comes from a distinguished family with deep-rooted connections in East Java’s religious and political circles. His grandfather, Muhammad Dardak, was a prominent Kiai in the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) movement, and his maternal grandfather, Wiluyo, was the first Governor of Lembang and served during the early years of Indonesia's independence.

How does Emil Dardak view the role of women in leadership?

Emil Dardak believes in the importance of open discussion and consultation, particularly when addressing concerns about women in leadership positions. He acknowledges the challenges women face in politics, but also highlights the role of religious scholars, like Kiai and Nyai, who provide guidance and support to female leaders such as Khofifah, the Governor of East Java.

What does Emil Dardak think about the perception of women leaders in East Java?

Emil Dardak recognizes that some conservative views still exist in East Java, where the idea of female leadership is seen as controversial or even 'haram' (forbidden). However, he advocates for continued dialogue and believes that people in the region should have the freedom to choose their leaders, regardless of gender.

Why did Emil Dardak not run for Governor of East Java?

Emil Dardak explains that while he has considered running for Governor, he chose not to pursue this path for personal and family reasons. He values the balance between his political career and other professional interests, such as finance and academia, and doesn't feel the need to stay in politics if it doesn't align with his happiness.

How does Emil Dardak view the role of women as homemakers in Indonesia?

Emil Dardak recognizes homemaking as a significant and noble profession, emphasizing that the role of women as caretakers and parents is essential for society. He sees this work as a form of unpaid labor that is often overlooked and advocates for better recognition and support for homemakers, particularly in terms of access to financial and social services.

What challenges do women in rural Indonesia face in accessing financial support?

In rural Indonesia, women who act as heads of households often face difficulties accessing financial support due to the lack of recognition of homemaking as a legitimate profession. Emil Dardak highlights the struggles of women who work in agriculture or as traders but are still unable to secure loans or support for business ventures because they are not officially recognized as income-generating professionals.

How does Emil Dardak propose to support women in rural areas economically?

Emil Dardak suggests improving access to resources for rural women by creating platforms that recognize their role in the economy. He emphasizes the importance of supporting women who contribute to their family’s financial well-being through small-scale business activities, suggesting that policies should be designed to enable these women to access credit and other economic opportunities.

What role does Emil Dardak see for education in empowering women in Indonesia?

Emil Dardak stresses the importance of education for women in empowering them economically and socially. He mentions how, during his research in Boyolali, he discovered that rural women play a crucial role in local economies, and their contributions should be acknowledged and supported. By improving educational and financial opportunities for women, especially in rural areas, Emil believes that significant progress can be made in gender equality.