Jakarta, Indonesia – Margaret Aliyatul Maimunah, a prominent figure in Indonesian child protection advocacy and religious leadership, passed away Sunday morning, March 1, 2026, at Fatmawati Hospital in Jakarta. She was 47 years old. The news of her death has prompted an outpouring of grief from across the nation, recognizing her significant contributions to the well-being of Indonesian children and her influential role within Nahdlatul Ulama, the country’s largest Islamic organization.
Aliyatul Maimunah served as the Chair of the Indonesian Commission for Child Protection (KPAI), a government body responsible for safeguarding the rights of children, and simultaneously held the position of Chairwoman of the Executive Board of Fatayat NU, the women’s wing of Nahdlatul Ulama. Her dual leadership roles underscored her commitment to both secular and religious approaches to social welfare, and advocacy. Her passing marks a significant loss for both organizations and the broader community of child rights advocates in Indonesia.
Komisioner KPAI Kawiyan confirmed the news to Kompas.com, stating that Aliyatul Maimunah died at 8:00 AM Western Indonesian Time (WIB) at Fatmawati Hospital. Kawiyan described her as a “wise and nurturing leader with an extraordinary vision for child protection.” He also noted that she had been previously hospitalized at RS Fatmawati before the start of Ramadan, though details surrounding that earlier hospitalization were not immediately available.
A Life Dedicated to Child Welfare and Religious Leadership
Born in Jombang, East Java, in 1978, Margaret Aliyatul Maimunah dedicated her life to education, religious service, and advocacy for vulnerable populations. She received her education from pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) and continued her studies at the University of Indonesia, specializing in women’s studies. This academic background deeply informed her approach to addressing the complex challenges faced by children and women in Indonesia.
Her involvement in various organizations, including PMII (Islamic Student Association) and IPPNU (Nahdlatul Ulama Youth Organization), laid the foundation for her future leadership roles. She served two terms as a Commissioner at KPAI, focusing on issues related to children and women. Her tenure at KPAI was marked by a commitment to strengthening legal frameworks and improving the implementation of policies designed to protect children from violence, exploitation, and neglect. She was known for her ability to bridge divides and build consensus among diverse stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and religious leaders.
Aliyatul Maimunah’s leadership within Fatayat NU was equally impactful. She was elected Chairwoman of the organization in 2022 and served until her death. Fatayat NU plays a crucial role in empowering women and promoting social justice within the Nahdlatul Ulama network, and Aliyatul Maimunah’s leadership helped to expand the organization’s reach and influence. She championed initiatives focused on education, economic empowerment, and the prevention of violence against women.
Final Arrangements and National Mourning
Following her passing, Aliyatul Maimunah’s body was taken to the office of the PBNU (Central Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama) in Jakarta for a funeral prayer (salat jenazah) held after the Zuhr (afternoon) prayer. This reflects her deep connection to the organization and the respect she commanded within the Nahdlatul Ulama community.
Her remains will then be transported to her hometown of Jombang, East Java, where she will be laid to rest at the Mamba’ul Ma’arif Denanyar Islamic boarding school complex. This pesantren holds significant historical and religious importance in the region and serves as a center for Islamic education and scholarship. The decision to bury her there underscores her lifelong commitment to her faith and her roots in the Jombang community.
According to reports, her husband, Abdullah Masud, who also serves as the Chairman of the Tangerang Selatan branch of Nahdlatul Ulama, announced her passing. The funeral arrangements are being coordinated by family members and representatives from KPAI and Nahdlatul Ulama.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Empowerment
Margaret Aliyatul Maimunah’s death leaves a void in the landscape of Indonesian child protection and women’s rights advocacy. Her tireless efforts to promote the well-being of children, empower women, and advance social justice will be remembered by those who knew her and those who benefited from her work. She was a vocal advocate for strengthening legal protections for children, improving access to education and healthcare, and addressing the root causes of child poverty and exploitation.
Her leadership within Fatayat NU also played a vital role in promoting gender equality and challenging harmful traditional practices that discriminate against women. She championed initiatives aimed at increasing women’s participation in political and economic life and providing support to victims of gender-based violence.
The impact of her work extends beyond the formal structures of KPAI and Fatayat NU. She was a respected voice in public discourse, frequently appearing in the media to discuss issues related to child welfare and women’s rights. Her ability to articulate complex issues in a clear and compelling manner made her a powerful advocate for change.
As Indonesia continues to grapple with the challenges of protecting its children and empowering its women, the legacy of Margaret Aliyatul Maimunah will serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for future generations of advocates and leaders. Her commitment to justice, compassion, and inclusivity will be deeply missed.
Further updates regarding memorial services and tributes will be announced by KPAI and Nahdlatul Ulama in the coming days. The organizations are expected to release statements outlining their plans to continue her work and honor her memory.
We encourage readers to share their condolences and memories of Margaret Aliyatul Maimunah in the comments below. Her dedication to the welfare of children and women deserves to be celebrated and remembered.