JAKARTA, Indonesia – Rani Miranti’s 11-year marriage was a nightmare of emotional and physical abuse, but now she is fighting back – literally. Miranti is one of a growing number of Indonesian women who are taking self-defense classes to protect themselves amid persistent gender-based violence in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country.
“Government protection usually comes after violence has happened, while we never know when it will come,” said the 38-year-old single parent of three. “Unfortunately, when it suddenly comes, no one can help. So, we need to have self-defense capabilities.”
Indonesia recorded over 289,000 cases of violence against women last year, a slight decrease from 2022 but still a staggering figure. Experts say the true number is likely much higher, with many incidents going unreported due to social stigma and limited victim support services.
In response, more Indonesian women like Miranti are turning to martial arts, particularly Muay Thai kickboxing, to learn techniques to fend off attackers. At a gym in eastern Jakarta, Miranti demonstrated her skills, pounding a heavy bag and sparring with a partner as she honed the skills she hopes will keep her safe.
“Now, I have a way…I have the skill to fight back,” Miranti said. “But even more importantly, I have learned to avoid situations by being more aware of my surroundings.”
Miranti’s female coach, Rahimatul Hasanah, said she has been overwhelmed by the demand for women’s self-defense classes, with many preferring female instructors who can provide a comfortable, judgment-free environment.
“Learning physical self-defense not only gives the tools to control their reactions to negative situations, but also can build the confidence for mental defense too,” Hasanah said.
The rise in Indonesian women training in martial arts sends a clear message, according to Hasanah’s husband Rizal Zulmi, a professional MMA fighter.
“It shows abusers and criminals that not all women are easy prey,” Zulmi said.
For Rangi Wirantika Sudrajat, a 31-year-old doctor who has been deployed to conflict zones with Doctors Without Borders, the physical and mental benefits of martial arts training are invaluable.
“I can channel all my pent-up emotions, anger and sadness in healthy way through Muay Thai,” Sudrajat said.
While self-defense classes empower individual women, Andi Yentriyani of the National Commission on Violence Against Women said more systemic change is needed. The commission received almost 800 reports of sexual harassment in 2023, quadruple the number of rape cases over the same period.
“Many in our society still consider sexual violence cases to be something disgraceful and embarrassing for female victims,” Yentriyani said. “We still often see situations of silencing victims, including violence against wives.”
As Miranti continues her Muay Thai training, she knows it’s just one piece of the puzzle. But it has given her the confidence and skills to defend herself – and inspire other Indonesian women to do the same.
“I have the way,” she said. “I have the skill to fight back.”
