Parawansa took office as the 14th Governor of East Java in 2019. She had previously served as the Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives and the Minister of Social Affairs. She has been a strong supporter of inter-faith unity and also led a campaign to reduce red-light districts by offering alternative jobs. She was also chairwoman of the Muslimat, a women’s group affiliated to Nahdlatul Ulama. She has 2 million followers on social media and is considered a presidential candidate for 2024.