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Gender inequality in Indonesian politics forms part of broader structural and cultural dynamics that shape women’s positions in the public sphere. In historical studies, the thought of R.A. Kartini is often interpreted primarily as a symbol of educational and moral emancipation, while the political dimension of her ideas receives limited attention. This study aims to examine Kartini’s political thought as reflected in her letters, positioning her as a political subject who articulated critiques of social structures, customary norms, and patriarchal power relations through non-formal means. This research adopts a qualitative approach with a library-based research design. The data are derived from an analysis of Kartini’s letters compiled in Door Duisternis tot Licht and supported by relevant academic literature. A descriptive-analytical method with a thematic approach is employed to explore political ideas and discourses embedded in the texts. Kartini’s thought in this study is understood as a form of political awareness that extends beyond individual emancipation and relates to broader issues of women’s political participation. This research contributes to the study of women’s politics by offering a historical perspective that places women as political subjects.

Islam prescribes marriage as a sacred and fundamental institution in human life, aiming to preserve dignity, lineage, and to build a harmonious (sakinah), loving (mawaddah), and compassionate (rahmah) family. In Islamic teachings, marriage can be conducted either monogamously or polygamously, with specific conditions. In Indonesia, polygamous practices are strictly regulated by various legal provisions, such as Law Number 1 of 1974 and the Compilation of Islamic Law. Nevertheless, polygamy remains a controversial issue in society, often carried out without fulfilling legal requirements, such as through unregistered (sirri) marriages. This phenomenon reflects a legal dualism between religious norms and state regulations. Furthermore, the social construction of polygamy shows that it is not merely a religious or legal issue, but also a product of social, cultural, economic dynamics, and the evolution of modern values. This study aims to explore how social construction shapes the perception and practice of polygamy and its implications for household harmony. Using a multidisciplinary approach, this study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relevance of polygamy in contemporary society and its impact on family structure and child welfare.