Women are often positioned in invisible domestic roles, shackled in narratives of subordination and stereotypes. This is no exception for the Chinese women of Benteng in Belimbing Village, Kosambi District, Tangerang Regency. In the minds of most people, they are considered a minority group that has no power. However, this narrative has begun to shift since the presence of the Lampion Merah Abadi Women's Cooperative for Resource Development (KWPS), which is assisted by the Jakarta Women's Resource Development Center (PPSW).
Benteng Chinese women are part of the Peranakan Chinese ethnic group who have long lived in Indonesia, including in Tangerang Regency. Although they are native residents of Belimbing Village, their existence remains in the minority. Of the total 32 RTs in the village, the majority of the Benteng Chinese community is concentrated in RT 1 and RT 2.
In addition to being marginalized numerically, Benteng Chinese women also face stigma rooted in ethnic stereotypes. They are often labeled as lazy, undereducated, and are considered to have a “backward” lifestyle. This image is compounded by physical stereotypes, where they are called “poor Chinese” or “black Chinese”—terms that compare them to other Chinese Indonesians who are considered wealthier and whiter (Hyunanda et al., 2021; Saehu et al., 2018).
Even more severe, Chinese cultural traditions place women in three obediences: submitting to the father when they are young, to the husband after marriage, and to the son when they become widows. "Women are considered dependent on men for their entire lives," explained Ibu Titi, PPSW Jakarta's companion for the Benteng Chinese community.
That day, I visited Mrs. Chen Fie’s house, one of the centers of the Eternal Red Lantern Cooperative. Initially, I thought that this cooperative only functioned as a place for savings and loans. However, the more I studied it, it turned out that this cooperative was a space for empowering Benteng Chinese women—a space that went beyond economic functions.
The existence of cooperatives allows Benteng Chinese women, who previously only played a role in the domestic sphere, to start getting involved in community activities. Many of them who were initially only involved in activities such as taking care of children, cooking, or cleaning the house, now leave the house to attend cooperative meetings, take part in training, and even leave their goods at the cooperative.
According to Mba Dewi, the cooperative treasurer, "This cooperative is like a small market. There are members who entrust their merchandise such as clothes, salted eggs, snacks, and soy milk. When the mothers gather, they can transact while sharing stories with each other." Simple steps such as entrusting merchandise to this cooperative have a big impact. Naila Kabeer in her research emphasizes that effective women's economic empowerment often starts with small steps that address their specific needs (Kabeer, 2018).
The Red Lantern Abadi Cooperative creates an inclusive economic ecosystem. Women who previously only stayed at home now have access to the market without having to open their own shops, which are often hampered by high costs. They also start to become financially independent, as experienced by Ibu Lanni, a salted egg maker. "Now I don't get confused if I need additional capital, I can borrow from the cooperative," she said.
In addition to the economic aspect, the existence of cooperatives also brings social change. Husbands who were previously skeptical of their wives' activities began to provide support. Mrs. Erpi, one of the cooperative members, shared her experience: "Initially my husband did not agree with me selling salted eggs. But after seeing the orders continue to increase, now he even helps deliver the orders."
These small steps slowly removed layers of subordination. Benteng Chinese women began to gain recognition, not only within their families, but also in society. The kitchen, once considered merely a domestic space, became a symbol of productivity and independence.
The existence of the Eternal Red Lantern Cooperative is an initial step towards recognizing Benteng Chinese women as equal members of society. Based on existing potential, this cooperative proves that big changes can start from small things.
Through cooperatives, Benteng Chinese women show that they are empowered, able to contribute, and build more inclusive communities. This initial step is not just about economics, but about building a space for greater recognition, dignity, and equality.
*Author: Eri Susilowati (CRCS UGM), Estungkara Internship Participant 2024
