Recap: Women Leadership Forum 2025
On November 15, 2025, history was made at Hotel Mulia Jakarta. Over 250 women leaders from every province of Indonesia gathered for RKP's most ambitious event yet — a full-day celebration of women's leadership, culminating in our first-ever Women Leadership Awards ceremony. Here's everything that happened.
1A Morning of Courage
The day opened with a keynote address from RKP Founder Dra. Kartini Soekarno that had the entire ballroom on its feet within minutes. Her message was direct: leadership is not a destination — it is a daily practice of courage. She shared personal stories of failure, resilience, and the women who had lifted her throughout her career. The room felt electric. Many attendees later said it was the most moving opening address they had ever witnessed at a professional event.
2Panel Sessions That Changed the Conversation
Four panel discussions ran across the day, covering transformational leadership, building inclusive organizations, the economics of gender equity, and navigating career pivots. What set these panels apart was their radical honesty. Speakers didn't just share successes — they shared failures, doubts, and the structural barriers they had faced. One panelist's account of being passed over for promotion despite outperforming male colleagues sparked a standing conversation that spilled into the lunch break.
3The Women Leadership Awards — An Emotional Highlight
The afternoon culminated in RKP's inaugural Women Leadership Awards, recognizing ten outstanding women across sectors including technology, healthcare, education, agriculture, and social enterprise. The nominations had come from the community itself — over 800 nominations submitted across six weeks. Watching each recipient take the stage, many visibly moved, was a reminder of why this work matters. Several recipients dedicated their awards to the women who had mentored them, creating a powerful moment of intergenerational acknowledgment.
4Connections That Will Last a Lifetime
Between sessions, the hallways and coffee stations became stages of their own. Partnerships were formed, mentorship relationships were initiated, and friendships were forged. Our post-event survey found that 94% of attendees said they made at least one connection they considered professionally significant. Three collaborative ventures between attendees have already been announced in the weeks following the forum.
More Moments
What Attendees Said
“I came as a participant and left feeling like I had found my tribe. The energy in that room was unlike anything I've ever experienced at a professional event.”
“Winning the Leadership Award was completely unexpected. What moved me most was knowing it came from nominations by women in this community — that means everything.”
“The panel on inclusive organizations gave me three things I implemented at my company the very next week. This wasn't just inspiring — it was actionable.”
Don't Miss the Next One
The Women Leadership Forum 2026 is coming. Bigger venues, bolder conversations, and an expanded awards program. Get on the early notification list now.
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