Through Halal Bihalal and National Coordination Meeting, the Ministry of Religious Affairs' Dharma Wanita Persatuan Strengthens Women's Leadership

Jakarta, UIN Online News — The Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia successfully held its Halal Bihalal gathering and National Coordination Meeting (Rakornas) on Wednesday (14 April 2026) at the Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. Attended by hundreds of DWP representatives from provincial offices and State Islamic Higher Education Institutions (PTKIN), the event underscored the importance of strengthening women's leadership and contributions within families, organizations, and society.

In her opening remarks, Hj. Helmi Halimatul Udhmah Nasaruddin Umar, Advisor to the Ministry's DWP, said that this year's Halal Bihalal—held in conjunction with the commemoration of Kartini Day—served not only as an opportunity for spiritual reflection and renewed fellowship but also as a platform to reaffirm the strategic role of women as agents of change.

She emphasized that, as the official women's organization within the Ministry of Religious Affairs, DWP carries a significant responsibility to reinforce women's contributions amid increasingly complex social challenges.

“Women play a strategic role as drivers of change within families, organizations, and the nation. In today's increasingly complex environment, Dharma Wanita Persatuan of the Ministry of Religious Affairs is expected to become an organization that creates meaningful impact and empowers women,” she stated.

According to Hj. Helmi, this vision is reflected in the theme of this year's National Coordination Meeting, "Strengthening Fellowship, Enhancing Synergy, and Building an Impactful and Empowered Dharma Wanita Persatuan of the Ministry of Religious Affairs." She described the theme as highly relevant to the organization's current mission and future direction.

She further encouraged DWP members nationwide to focus on three strategic priorities. First, fostering meaningful relationships rooted in empathy, mutual support, and solidarity. Second, strengthening collaboration among regional branches and external partners to develop measurable and impactful programs. Third, ensuring that DWP initiatives continue to benefit both its members and the wider community through women's empowerment, family development, and social welfare programs.

“Our programs should respond directly to the needs of members and society, enhance women's capacity, and contribute to strengthening family values and community well-being,” she added.

Hj. Helmi also called on all DWP members to cultivate an organizational culture based on open communication, mutual respect, and collaboration. She encouraged the development of innovative programs aligned with contemporary challenges, including women's economic empowerment, family resilience, digital literacy, and social outreach. At the same time, she stressed the importance of continuous personal and organizational development through learning, capacity building, and cross-sector partnerships.

Drawing inspiration from the legacy of R.A. Kartini, she urged participants to embrace progressive thinking and meaningful action.

“Following Kartini's spirit means having the courage to think ahead, to contribute, and to create positive change. Be women who are not only present, but truly meaningful—not merely participants, but sources of inspiration,” she concluded.

She expressed hope that the National Coordination Meeting would produce practical, sustainable, and impactful programs that would benefit both families and the nation.

During the same event, Sinarliati Kamaruddin Amin, Chairperson of DWP of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, presented a report on the organization's "Gebyar Ramadan 1447 H" social initiatives. Among the achievements were the distribution of 40,000 food assistance packages throughout the Ministry of Religious Affairs, financial assistance for 700 orphans and underprivileged families, charitable donations for low-income communities and waste-picker groups through collaboration with BSI, LAZISNU, and BAZNAS, as well as the distribution of 4,200 iftar meal packages and social visits to retired Ministry personnel.

The National Coordination Meeting brought together approximately 250 leaders and administrators of DWP regional offices and State Islamic Higher Education Institutions. In addition to Hj. Helmi Halimatul Udhmah Nasaruddin Umar, the event was attended by Minister of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, M.A., DWP Chairperson Sinarliati Kamaruddin Amin, senior ministry officials, former DWP leaders, and representatives of DWP chapters from across Indonesia.