20-millionth baby born next month

20-millionth baby born next month

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia, the fourth most populated country in
the world, will have its 200-millionth citizen on Feb. 4 this
year, and President Soeharto is willing to name the baby,
according to State Minister of Population Haryono Suyono.

Speaking to reporters after accompanying State Minister of
National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita to the
meeting with Soeharto here yesterday, Haryono said 8,182 babies
are expected to be born across the country on that day.

To be picked as Indonesia's 200-millionth baby and have the
honor of being named by Soeharto on Feb.5, the baby must be born
to a legally married couple according to Haryono, also chairman
of the National Family Planning Board.

The baby must be a first child, the mother must be at least
20, and the child must not be born through Caesarean section.

The 200-million figure was projected by the board in
association with the Central Bureau of Statistics and other
institutions in Indonesia, and was adjusted to the low and medium
estimates of the United Nations.

Currently, each family has an average 2.6 children. The
National Family Planning Board campaigns have succeeded in
lowering the population growth rate from 5.6 percent during the
First Five-Year Development Plan to 1.6 percent by the end of the
Fifth Five-Year Development Plan. (13)