Dr Hetifah Sjaifudian, MPP (PhD(SS) ’06) has dedicated her life to public service, advocacy, and advancing opportunities for marginalised communities. Born in Bandung, West Java, her journey from student activism to national leadership reflects a deep and consistent commitment to addressing inequalities and empowering of women and youth.
Since 2009, Dr Sjaifudian has served as a Member of the Indonesian Parliament, representing the East Kalimantan constituency. In 2024, she was elected to her fourth term and now holds the influential role of Chair of Commission X, which oversees education, science and technology, youth and sports, literacy, research and innovation, and statistics.
Dr Sjaifudian completed her undergraduate studies in Regional and City Planning at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) and earned a Master of Public Policy from the National University of Singapore (NUS). She received a scholarship to pursue a PhD at Flinders University, exploring how citizens and marginalised groups influence public policies.
“Increasing access to education and scholarship programmes for underprivileged children, some of whom live in very remote areas, is very important to me,” she says.
“I believe better educated citizens, no matter where they live, will benefit Indonesian society as a whole.”
“I am also passionate about gender equality. I want to see women’s participation in politics increase. I want to see widespread support for enhancing women’s capacities across all sectors in Indonesia, not just the ones typically associated with femininity.”
True to this commitment, Dr Sjaifudian has consistently taken on leadership roles that enable her to champion women’s empowerment from political and civil society platforms. Within the Golkar Party, she plays a key role in shaping gender policy as Head of Women Empowerment on the party’s central board and as Chair of KPPG, its women’s wing. Her advocacy also extends into broader national movements—she is an active member of the Indonesian Women’s Congress (KOWANI) and leads Pengajian Al-Hidayah, a women’s mass organisation that promotes social welfare, religious engagement, and gender equality across its nation-wide network.
“Scholarships like Australia Awards and others, such as the one I received from The Ford Foundation, have the power to transform lives, allowing the recipients to harness their full potential – not only for their own personal development, but also for the communities they go on to serve,” she says.
“Studying in Australia opened my mind and expanded my perspective. The high quality of education, combined with the supportive environment and social network I found at Flinders, allowed me to manage my studies, personal growth, and family life in a balanced and fulfilling way.”
Although Dr. Sjaifudian initially planned to pursue her PhD in the UK, a visit to Adelaide changed her path. She found that Flinders University – and the city of Adelaide – offered a better fit for both her academic focus and family life.
“Flinders also offered a network of competent, experienced, and dedicated Indonesianists. I was fortunate to be supervised by two outstanding scholars – the late Professor Jim Schiller and Dr Anton Lucas. Their support went beyond academic guidance; it extended into genuine friendship, and the ties between our families remain close to this day.”
Her study at Flinders equipped Dr Sjaifudian with far more than academic expertise. It strengthened her abilities in project management, time discipline, strategic thinking, and relationship-building.
“The skills I acquired from writing my dissertation been vital throughout my four terms in Parliament. As the Chair of Commission X, the ability to think critically, manage teams, meet targets within deadlines, and negotiate effectively have been essential,” she says.
Relocating to Adelaide with her husband and four young children was both a challenge and a gift. The experience deepened their family bonds and created lasting growth for each member.
“Living in Australia gave our family unit, especially the children, the space to explore their interests and talents, both at school and within the community. They grew into more confident, sociable, and decisive individuals, and the invaluable experience they gained abroad continues to benefit them in adulthood,” she explains.
“My husband also became more actively involved in household responsibilities, enriching our family life and embodying our values of equality and cooperation.”
From Adelaide to Jakarta, Dr Sjaifudian exemplifies inclusive leadership, lifelong learning, and a deep commitment to public service. Her journey is a powerful reminder that educational opportunities – especially those that support people balancing family responsibilities – can unlock their true potential. She firmly believes that with the right support, individuals from all walks of life can become transformative leaders and changemakers in their communities and beyond.