The Wounds of Patriarchy Amid The Principle of Gender Equality

Abstract

Patriarchal culture refers to a social system that places men in dominant roles across familial,  professional, and public spheres, perpetuating gender-based power imbalances. In Indonesia, such norms are deeply rooted, and the state has acknowledged their role in sustaining inequality, particularly within household structures. To address this, Law Number 23 of 2004 on the Elimination of Domestic Violence was enacted as a legal instrument to support gender equality. However, in practice, these principles often clash with entrenched patriarchal values inherited through generations and normalized within societal traditions. This study explores how patriarchal culture hinders the realization of gender
equality in Indonesian family life. Using a normative juridical method, it analyzes the 2004 law alongside relevant literature to evaluate the tension between legal ideals and cultural realities. The findings indicate that legal frameworks alone are insufficient to counter deep-seated patriarchal beliefs, which continue to cause harm. A noted limitation is the absence of empirical field data. Nevertheless, this research contributes to the discourse on gender and family law by advocating a multidimensional approach—integrating education, legal reform, and cultural reinterpretation. Its novelty lies in proposing gender mainstreaming in education and revisiting local values to cultivate a more just and equitable social structure for women.