Perwari dalam Kemelut Revolusi Indonesia: Gejolak di Awal Gerak

Abstract

Women's movement during the Indonesian revolution focused on women mobilization in the
Red Cross, paramilitary, liaisons, soup kitchens, organizational changes, and congresses.
Reviewing Harry E. Poeze's writings regarding the relationship between the Persatuan
Perjuangan and Persatuan Wanita Republik Indonesia (Perwari), this paper argues that the
independence proclamation of Indonesia gave a new identity and transformation. These two
processes gave birth to different imaginations and interpretations of Indonesianness,
independence, the Indonesian revolution, and the position of women in the process. On the
other hand, the difference in the imagination and meaning destroys Perwari and affects her
movement patterns afterward. Finally, the experience of Perwari may be offering material
discussion about an alternative discourse on the periodization of the Indonesian women's
movement.