Prominent Women’s Communities in Jakarta

The British Women’s Association (BWA) is a non-profit organisation established in 1970, originally as a community for British expatriates, but has since opened its doors to women of all nationalities. The BWA has two aims ” to provide support and friendship to expats and their families of all nationalities and to support local charities in the Greater Jakarta area.”

At their dedicated ‘Clubhouse’ in the Dharmawangsa area (shared with ANZA), the BWA hosts a range of regular weekly events, including a book club, yoga sessions and quiz nights. Other events like regular coffee mornings, ladies golf to roaming lunches take place across various locations. Social work and charitable missions are a key component of the BWA, bolstered by their main fundraisers, like their Christmas and spring bazaars and annual charity gala.Long and short-term memberships are available.

The Australia & New Zealand Association (ANZA) Jakarta is a community dedicated to connecting and supporting expatriates living in Indonesia, and while its origins lie in fostering connections among Australian and New Zealanders, ANZA has evolved into a diverse and inclusive network where women from all walks of life and nationalities can find guidance, friendship and a sense of belonging. Ranging from sports to photography club, the monthly events at ANZA cater to all kinds of interests and hobbies.

But perhaps the most fulfilling programmes here are their social welfare projects that have been running for more than 30 years. Focusing on four core categories such as child and youth wellbeing, education, disability and elderly support, ANZA is a patron for two major sponsorship programs for medical and students. Through these projects, social events, workshops and charitable initiatives, ANZA aims to be a community that can help women from inside their club and the outside local communities.

Originally founded in 1978 by a group of Spanish-speaking and Indonesian women, the Asociación Iberoamericana (AIA) offers a cultural bridge for the Spanish-speaking community in Indonesia. What sets AIA apart is its ability to transform language into a unifying force. AIA Jakarta focuses primarily on activities that bring the community together.

For its members that hail from various Latin American and Iberian countries, monthly or even weekly gatherings usually centred around cuisine, music, art, fashion and tradition. Here, one can truly feel how sharing a language can create long lasting bonds and friendship. Beyond its social events, AIA Jakarta also supports various charitable missions in Indonesia, focusing on children’s well-being and education.

Die Brücke, meaning “The Bridge”, is an organisation for German-speaking men and women of various nationalities in Indonesia. It has been fostering cultural exchange and social welfare efforts since 1979, serving as a bridge between expatriates and Indonesians with events such as Christmas markets and charity concerts raising funds for women and children in need.

Take part in their BRUCKE morning in Jakarta every second Thursday of the month, where all sponsors and guests are invited to feast on a varied breakfast buffet, while reading their monthly newspaper, or even buying second-hand German books and magazines. Often a guest is invited to share their knowledge about any interesting topic related to Jakarta or Indonesia, giving the members a chance to delve deep into the local culture.

The Women’s International Club (WIC), founded in 1950 by women from Indonesia, the UK, the US, and India, has grown into a multicultural hub dedicated to fostering friendships and advancing social causes. WIC promotes cross-cultural understanding for women coming from different backgrounds, celebrating diversity while finding common ground. This club initiates a scholarship programme that awards deserving and bright students from low-income families who are actively enrolled in public school, state university or higher learning institutions in Jakarta and its immediate surroundings, with priority given to female students.

Its landmark Annual Charity Bazaar, which began as a modest fundraising effort in the 1960s, has evolved into a highly anticipated event, drawing embassies and businesses to contribute to a range of educational and welfare projects. The proceeds from this bazaar are allocated to the WIC Scholarship fund as well as other accumulated donations. WIC also holds monthly gatherings, cultural events and international trips for its members to join and expand their network.

Named after the legendary Javanese warrior princess, this organisation is a support group to advocate Indonesian women who have married—or were previously married—to foreign nationals. Established in 2000 and with over 400 members spread around the globe and 150 active members in Jakarta and Bali, Srikandi provides guidance on the legal, social, and economic challenges unique to mixed-nationality families.

Through legal consultations, community support and awareness campaigns, this community champions women’s rights, particularly in matters of immigration, work permits, citizenship and property ownership. But perhaps more than its legal advocacy, Srikandi is a place where women can share experiences, seek advice and build lasting friendships.

While community organisations provide social support, the corporate world demands systemic change—and this is precisely where Indonesia Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (IBCWE) comes in. Established in 2016 by eight leading Indonesian companies, IBCWE works to advance gender equality in the workplace and promote women’s economic empowerment.

With the initial support from the Australian government, IBCWE provides a platform and tools for companies to share inspirations and good practices; and facilitate the members to excel and position themselves as gender champions among corporations. The members of this organisation are highly committed in their mission to close the gender pay gap, increase female participation in leadership, and create family-friendly working environments.

Gender disparities in workplaces remain one of the main focus for women empowerment movements in modern times, and the Jakarta-based community Women Empower Women at Work (WEWAW) is committed to levelling the playing field for Indonesian career women. Founded in September 2020 by Jessica Carla, WEWAW provides young women with mentorship, education, and career guidance.

Their WAWclub provides Indonesian women aged 17 – 29 virtual space to enhance and exchange experiences navigating the workforce. Their Master Class programme offers a two hours online class that discuss any topics about career and business, inviting experts and public figures in relevant fields.  At its core principle, WEWAW aims to be a leading social platform that enhances women’s career and business potential, fostering a new generation of confident, capable and ambitious female leaders that empower each other.