The Trend of Sexualized Female Caddies in Indonesian Golf Club- Shame to the Name of Indonesian Women and The Game

[ Untuk Bahasa Indonesia, lihat artikel sebelumnya]
The men generally do not mind, but this issue has often been the source of argument between men who frequent the golf courses and their spouses. An Indonesian woman will often cringe when her friend tells her that her husband plays golf. Why are Indonesian women beginning to feel ashamed with their husbands playing golf?

Women Empowerment or the Opposite?

In the 1990s, more than 90% of the golf caddies in Indonesia are men. In 2012, more than 90% of the golf caddies in Indonesia are women in their early 20s. Nowadays, when you sign up for a golf game at any golf courses in Indonesia, you may not be able to find male caddies anymore. On the surface, some people may see this as a step up for Indonesian women getting more employment opportunity. However, if you look closely into this growing trend of female caddies, it is opposite of women empowerment. When you enter a well-known golf club in Jakarta, you will notice that the caddies are generally females in their early 20s, heavily-made-up, long hair (sometimes untied), lanky (thinner than the general Indonesian women), wear uniforms that are quite form fitting (most popular uniforms are tight white pants with back pockets for clients to tipping and sometimes groping simultaneously). The appearance of caddies in Indonesia is a far cry from the professional caddies we have seen on ESPN. These female caddies look more like aspiring models or artists rather than someone who is working in the line of sports. How did golf clubs in Indonesia begin sexualizing what used to be a well-respected "old man’s" sports?

The Not-so-ethical Business Plan

Most golf course owners argued that they hire mostly female caddies because women are better at serving, smoke less, and have less body odors that will turn many golfers away. If Indonesian women are so much better than men at serving, why is the hospitality industry in Indonesia still hired both males and females? Why do we still see so many male personal trainers versus female personal trainers at Jakarta’s popular fitness gyms? Men do generally have bad body odors; we wonder how professional golfers like Adam Scotts manage to put up with his male caddy’s body odor, (one of the most well-paid caddy ever; lucky him, he doesn’t have to wear make-up or tight outfit on the golf course). Arguably, male caddies have better stamina, most of them are more knowledgeable because they actually play golf, they will not complain about being under the sun as much (Indonesian women are obsessed with fair skin/ skin bleaching), and male caddies are more likely to continue working as caddies after they turn 30.

When we really look at the matter, the main reason why 90% of Indonesian caddies are attractive young women in their 20s is monetary. Indonesian businessmen know that sex (or sexy ladies) sell. Many older golfers like to be served by young female caddies in tight clothing; it may be as “harmless” as looking at their young shapely flesh during the game; at times, what is considered sexual harassment in the States may be “passable” here; for instance, butt petting when passing tips. Everyone in Jakarta is aware of the notorious case of Rani Juliano, the former caddy who was allegedly the mistress of two married men she caddied for. The atmosphere in many golf courses in Indonesia is sexually charged, in a way that is demeaning and offensive to women. Whether or not inappropriate sexual behaviors at Indonesian golf course have been exaggerated, the current trend of hiring young attractive female caddies and making it mandatory for them to wear skin tight uniform is providing room for sexual harassment to flourish in golf courses.

Caddying for Women- Great Salary But No Stability

Few people have raised the fact that Indonesian women want to work as caddies because the salary is good. The question is, do these women really aspire to work as caddies since young, or do they want to be caddies because this is the type of “high-paying” job created by businessmen? In general an attractive female caddy can earn 100,000-1,000,000 IDR tips per game (it varies just like the income gap in Jakarta). Hence, she can easily earn 20 million Rupiah per month without a base salary. On the other hand, a fresh female college graduate can earn about 7 million Rupiah per month with a good corporate job. Hence, in the short run, a female caddy can earn three times more than a young female professional. However, unlike their professional counterparts who will see about 10% raise in their salary every year, female caddies will often lose their jobs by the time they are 30-year-old. Unfortunately, women caddies here are still hired based on their looks and youth, instead of their knowledge and experience of the game.

Empowering Women

In the more developed countries, caddies are often young athletic males who aspire to be professional golfers. For instance, in the US, caddies are often high-school or college students who work part time and enjoy playing golf during their free time. They are extremely knowledgeable about the game because they like playing golf. These caddies sometimes continue to work as professional caddies until they reach retirement age. Being a caddy in other countries does not require you to be a young and sexualized symbol. You just have to be healthy and knowledgeable (male or female) about the game.

Caddies are not employed to satisfy golfer’s lust, they are there to help golfers play the game. If the trend of hiring young female caddies based on looks in Indonesia continues, it will put women and the golf game to shame. Indonesia should learn from successful golf clubs abroad by hiring caddies (male or female) based on their capabilities and skills, not physical appearance. There should be government regulations to stop business owners from sexualizing female golf caddies. Golf clubs in Indonesia should provide caddies with proper training and appropriate uniforms that are suitable for the line of sport (not something that will attract undesired attention). They should also put a stop to this reverse discrimination and give equal job opportunities to capable male caddies. This will be a step forward for women empowerment and the golf game itself in Indonesia.