Other News

Indonesia’s Top Youtube Star Atta Halilintar Criticized By Women’s Rights Group For Remarks On Marriage

Indonesian women’s rights group criticizes Atta Halilintar’s conservative views


It has been less than a month since popular Indonesian Youtuber Atta Halilintar got married, but he’s already facing heated criticism for his remarks on women’s roles in marriage that got the attention of the country’s women’s rights organisation. 

Atta Halilintar got married to Aurel Hermansyah on 3rd April 2021 and has been making headlines ever since – first for his lavish wedding amidst a pandemic, second for his views on marriage that have been called outdated, and the latest for being infected for a second time with COVID-19 soon after his honeymoon. 

Read more!

Atta Halilintar’s view: man leads, woman follows



Image credit: @aurelie.hermansyah 

In a podcast uploaded to Youtube, Atta sat with host and mother-in-law, Ashanty Hermansyah, to discuss everything from his new wife Aurel, to his family, life goals, and his take on marriage.

During the conversation, Ashanty asked Atta on his readiness to become a husband and later father, as well as his views on marriage, in which Atta responded by saying, “aku udah kepala keluarga, Izin suami, suara suami adalah dari Tuhan. Kalau aku nggak izin ini, kamu harus nurut,” (The husband is the head of the family and the husband’s voice is the voice of God, if I don’t allow her to do something, she must obey me), referring to his belief in the roles of a husband and wife in a marriage.

He further explained that “Istilahnya hidup kamu sudah diserahkan ke laki-laki yang sudah bertanggung jawab atas kamu.” (The woman’s life has been handed over to her husband from her parents to be responsible for her).


A still from the podcast
Image credit: The Hermasyah A6 

In addition, Atta has also expressed his desire to have 15 children from his marriage to Aurel numerous times to local media and through his Youtube channel. Atta comes from a family of 11 siblings, including himself, and wishes the same for his family. 


Young, popular, and controversial



Atta Halilintar
Image credit:
@attahalilintar 

Atta’s views on marriage raised many eyebrows, especially from those in the women’s rights organisation. The Commissioner for the country’s women’s rights organisation, Siti Aminah, addressed these remarks in a statement saying, “Bentuk ketidakadilan gender yang dilanggengkan adalah subordinasi, yaitu perempuan dianggap sebagai bukan pengambil keputusan, tapi ditentukan oleh suami. Perempuan yang berstatus istri kehilangan haknya untuk ikut menentukan atau memutuskan rumah tangga seperti apa yang akan dibangun.”

(The form of gender injustice that is perpetuated here is subordination, in which women are considered not to be decision-makers and the decisions are made by the husbands. Wives lose their rights to participate in determining or deciding what kind of household to build).


The women’s rights organisation
Image credit: @komnasperempuan

Aminah also commented on Atta’s desire to have 15 children, saying, “Sudahkah hal ini disepakati? Perempuan tidak bisa diposisikan sebagai ‘pabrik’ anak saja, perempuan memiliki hak untuk menentukan kapan, berapa jumlah anak, dan jarak setiap anak dalam perkawinan.”

(For example, if you want to have 15 children, has this been agreed upon? Women should not be in the position of only being a ‘factory’ for bearing children, as women have the right to determine when, how many children, and the age gap between each child in a marriage).

Atta has not commented on this issue. He has recently revealed on a Instagram post that he is being treated for COVID-19, having caught the virus for a second time. 


The battle between gender equality and societal pressure for women


While women across the globe are standing up for themselves more and are defying outdated traditions, we are still often under social pressure to fit into roles deemed acceptable by society. 

Many women choose to be stay-home wives and mothers while others choose to continue their careers full-time. Whatever a woman chooses to do, she has the right to make decisions affecting her mind, body, and life.

Also check out:


Cover image adapted from: @aurelie.hermasyah and @aurelie.hermansyah 

Enjoying The Smart Local Indonesia? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram for more stories like this. If you have a story to share, email us at pressid@thesmartlocal.com.

 

 

Vandana Nanwani

Recent Posts

3 Family-Friendly Singapore Itineraries, From Educational Tours To Nature Trails

These family-friendly itineraries in Singapore will bring your kids and loved ones to educational sites,…

March 8, 2023

Indonesia’s Tourism Minister Teases Digital Nomad Visa, As Bali Welcomes Tourists Again

Tourists are now allowed back into Bali on regular visas on arrival, as Indonesia's tourism…

June 28, 2022

Singapore Opens Vaccinated Travel Lane To Indonesians, Orchard Road To Welcome Us Again

Good news - the new Singapore VTL for Indonesians has been announced by the city-state.…

November 16, 2021

Keraton Kasepuhan: See Stunning Architecture & An Extensive Museum Collection In An Ancient Cirebon Palace

Keraton Kasepuhan is one of Cirebon's oldest palaces and it has stunning architecture and an…

June 29, 2021

Hey Beach: Coastal-Themed Cafe In North Jakarta That’ll Transport You To Bali

Hey Beach Cafe is the cafe for your next Instagram post with coastal-themed decorations inspired…

June 28, 2021

Dusun Bambu: Family-Friendly Nature Retreat In Bandung With A Gorgeous Lake Surrounded By Greenery

Check out Dusun Bambu in Bandung, a Sundanese-style resort which offers scenic nature views and…

June 25, 2021