The Indonesian government’s 30% Affirmative Action Policy addresses gender inequalities by bolstering women’s representation in strategic positions. This research investigated the policy’s effectiveness in achieving this goal and uncovered constraints hindering women’s active participation in politics. Grounded in both gender equality and affectivity theories, the study pinpoints key issues of gender imbalance and investigates the policy’s impact on organizational dynamics within the political sphere. A qualitative analysis, informed by a comprehensive literature review, suggested that the implementation of the 30% Affirmative Action Policy since the reform era has demonstrably contributed to an increase in female representation within the political sphere. However, the policy’s effectiveness remains contingent upon addressing various challenges, including the persistent underrepresentation of women across both legislative and executive positions, where the 30% target has yet to be consistently achieved. Key influential factors in the implementation of this policy include the roles of the government, political parties, and society. Nevertheless, the policy is crucial in reshaping social norms regarding gender roles in politics. Overall, this article provided a comprehensive overview of the effectiveness of the 30% Affirmative Action Policy in achieving optimal gender representation in Indonesia. Policy implications and recommendations for enhancing the sustainability and effectiveness of this policy were also discussed to advance women’s participation in various social and professional aspects of life in Indonesia.
Keywords: effectiveness; affirmative action; women’s representation