The Role of Women in Local Politics in Biak Numfor: Substantive Representation or Political Formality?

The increase in women's representation in political institutions is not always accompanied by the development of substantive representation capable of influencing political decision-making processes and public policy. This study aims to analyze women's political representation in Biak Numfor Regency and explain the transformation process from formal representation to more substantive political influence. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and document analysis involving 10 informants from the Regency People's Representative Council (DPRK), political parties, local governments, women's organizations, and related institutional actors. The results indicate that women's political representation in Biak Numfor Regency is in a transitional stage toward emerging substantive representation. This process can be understood through the pathway from formal representation to political access, effective political participation, and policy advocacy and negotiation, which subsequently leads to the emergence of more substantive political influence. However, this process does not occur automatically or linearly, but is influenced by the interaction between political structures and institutions, women's agency and resources, and the local social context that can function as both supporting and limiting conditions. This research produces a conceptual model of the transformation of women's political representation based on empirical findings specific to the case of Biak Numfor Regency, rather than a universally validated causal model. The model demonstrates that formal representation or an increase in the number of women alone is insufficient to generate substantive political influence. These findings contribute to the study of women's political representation by explaining the contextual mechanisms linking women's formal presence to more meaningful political influence and provide implications for strengthening inclusive local democracy in Papua.