The commemoration of Mother's Day every December 22nd is a form of appreciation from the Indonesian nation for the struggle and dedication of women in gaining and fulfilling independence.
"This commemoration is not merely a ceremony nor a celebration of Mother's Day as understood in some cultures, but rather a deep appreciation for all Indonesian women in all their roles and capacities, whether in the family, society, nation, or state," Sugeng said in his statement.
This was conveyed by Sugeng at the 97th Mother's Day commemoration ceremony held at the Plaza Building A of the Ministry of Home Affairs Headquarters, Jakarta, while reading the written message from the Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Arifatul Choiri Fauzi.
She explained that the history of Mother's Day is rooted in the first Indonesian Women's Congress in 1928 in Yogyakarta, which became the momentum for the birth of the national women's movement.
Through this congress, Indonesian women gathered, spoke out, and determined the direction of their collective struggle. The commitment of these women fighters at that time led Indonesia to a significant milestone, later designated as Mother's Day through Presidential Decree No. 316 of 1959.
"Since then, this day has served as a reminder that women have been, are, and will continue to be a strategic part of national development," she said.
Throughout the history of this nation, Sugeng continued, Indonesian women have been agents of change, driving innovation, fighting for justice, and strengthening humanitarian values.
Despite facing various challenges, such as double burdens, stigma, limited access, and gender-based violence, women never stop fighting.
"With their resilience, creativity, and fighting spirit, women continue to demonstrate that the nation's progress is never separate from the progress of women," said Sugeng.
This mandate aligns with the theme of the 2025 Mother's Day commemoration, namely "Empowered and Creative Women, Towards a Golden Indonesia 2045".
