The attendees were all successful, and included prosecutors, professors and scientists. Many said that Indonesian women were making great headway in their push for equality, despite reports that fundamentalist Islam was growing in the country.

But, they added, the situation for educated, professional Indonesian women is much different than what poor women face — thousands of whom annually are forced into trafficking rings or shipped off to serve as domestic servants for the wealthy in other countries. Also, they added, violence against women is often not taken seriously.

"We have the highest maternal fatality rate. Five million Indonesian women are illiterate," said Pratiwi Sudarmomo, a microbiologist at the University of Indonesia.

Sudarmomo said fundamentalism Islam is hurting women in poor, rural communities, inhibiting their roles in society and forcing them to become prisoners in their own homes.

The situation in Jakarta and many other Indonesian cities, though, is much different.

Dewi Motik Pramono, of the National Council of Women's Organizations Indonesia, said more women are wearing head scarves and conservative clothing in the country.

But, she said, they are doing it as a fashion statement or because they want to — not because they are forced to. "An Indonesian Muslim is not like what you see on TV," said Pramono, who wears a head scarf. "The head scarf is between you and God."

'LEARNING FROM WOMEN IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES'

The meeting is similar to others Lingle has held with women during her travels over the years. Lingle also sat down with women leaders in China and the Philippines.

During her meeting, Lingle invited the women to attend her annual women's leadership conference in September. She said she would try to help defray costs, with business or other support, for Indonesian women who could not afford the conference fees.

"I enjoy learning from women in different countries," Lingle said.

The governor arrived in Indonesia on Sunday, and her trip centered around a state partnership program forged between the Indonesian military and Hawaii National Guard. The pact is aimed at readying both forces for disasters and sharing expertise.

NEXT STOP IS JAPAN AND OKINAWA

Lingle will leave Jakarta tomorrow for Japan, for a host of meetings on tourism and economic development. On Friday, she plans to tour the Ohta Flower Market, serve as a panelist at the Merrill Lynch Women's Career Symposium and discuss agriculture opportunities with the Japanese Minster of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

From Tokyo, Lingle will head to Okinawa. She returns to Honolulu on June 22.