Jakarta – Security issues concerning women are often closely related due to their vulnerability to various crimes. To enhance their resilience against negative influences, women’s participation in the security sector becomes a strategic step to implement violence prevention programs that focus on women’s needs. This also serves to inspire other women to take active roles in safeguarding themselves and their communities.
However, statistics show that women make up only about 24% of the global cybersecurity workforce, indicating there is still much room for improvement in women’s representation in this sector. Amidst the male dominance in the security industry, Tri Lakmawati (50), Training Operation Leader at Nawakara, stands out as a significant female leader, inspiring many women to follow in her footsteps. Her presence enriches the industry with new perspectives and demonstrates that diversity can influence innovation and the effectiveness of security strategies.
With a background in HR manufacturing, business development, and social activism, Tri focuses not only on the internal company but also actively brings positive changes to the broader security industry. For her, a career in security training is both enjoyable and challenging as it allows her to understand people’s needs and find the appropriate training required.
Tri explains, “Women in the security field not only make important contributions to violence prevention strategies but also prove that gender diversity can drive innovation and efficiency in this industry.”
“The optimization of security functions is crucial to me so that they can perform their duties well. I am determined to create change and strengthen security strategies with a more inclusive approach. By participating in security service companies like Nawakara, I hope to make a positive contribution and grow Nawakara’s training center,” she said during an interview on Monday, July 15, 2024, at Nawakara’s Head Office.
She has conducted several training themes, including security simulations at national vital objects during bomb threats and initiating “Basic Survival” training in collaboration with Survivor Pecinta Alam and Sioux Indonesia (Snake Handling). She even initiated security guard meet-ups with various themes, including Sexual Harassment, Security Strategies for the Political Year, and several meet-ups attended by security guards across different companies, clients, hotel security, and apartment security.
Challenges for Women in the Security Industry
In the field, reasonable strategies speak for themselves, regardless of gender. Initially, she often faced multifaceted challenges due to being underestimated. These challenges came not only from subordinates but also from NGOs. However, by showcasing a maternal approach to handling field situations, she successfully overcame these challenges, such as dealing with a protest by illegal female miners at a mining project in Jambi.
She even undertakes unconventional tasks, such as visiting remote areas to monitor the operational methods of members under her supervision. At night, she visits project posts to evaluate the security guards’ performance at the control posts. This is done by using unmarked operational vehicles, observing for several minutes, and monitoring any movement by security guards when suspicious vehicles arrive. This approach successfully garnered attention and appreciation from the security guards.
“Initially, many thought that women could be easily manipulated and deceived. As a leader of thousands of men, one must be firm in making decisions in any condition. Otherwise, we are done for. As a field person, mastering analytical strategies is crucial. We shouldn’t just be gatekeepers. I want women to be brave enough to compete with thousands of men,” Tri emphasized.
Such resilience is not formed overnight. Having a mentor like Darly Siregar, a prominent figure in the security world, gave Tri significant room to develop her potential and skills in security. She vividly remembers her mentor’s words about no gender issues and the magic words she always recalls in any field situation: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
For her dedication, Tri was recognized as one of the 30 top women in security in the ASEAN region in 2021. This recognition is a testament to the significant impact she has created, both nationally and internationally.
Admiring figures like Retno Marsudi and Susi Pudjiastuti, she also aims to pave the way for more women to participate and lead in the security industry. “Women must start stepping up and challenging themselves to build self-confidence. They must also be versatile in the security sector. Women can indeed compete with men in the security industry,” she added.
Tri’s achievements and ongoing efforts to increase women’s participation in security offer valuable lessons. Through her leadership and dedication, Tri not only opens the door for more women to advance but also redefines the expectations of what women can achieve in the security industry.
