“Hybrid feminist leadership”: feminist leadership on the ground – experiences of women political leaders in Indonesia

In the twenty-first century, there has been a notable increase in the number of women leaders across various regions. Inspired by postcolonial feminism, this study investigates the experiences of women political leaders in local elections in Indonesia since 2005. While many of these women leaders benefited from familial ties in their political careers, the research underscores that their ascent was not solely dependent on male authority. Instead, they tapped into a variety of resources linked to their gender identity as women, such as active involvement in women’s networks and communities. Moreover, this study delineates how these women leaders actively pursued public roles in politics rather than passively conforming to the constraints of kodrat (one’s inherent biological nature rooted in faith). Their experiences exemplify what this research terms “hybrid feminist leadership,” which is characterized by a blend of reliance on male power and assertive utilization of their womanhood, all within redefined boundaries of traditional feminine roles. Ultimately, the article contributes to the understanding of female leadership in Asia by framing feminist leadership within the realm of micro-politics.