Deputy Minister of Population Development: Family Planning Program Is Not About Limiting Births
Tegal (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Population and Family Development/Deputy Head of BKKBN Ratu Ayu Isyana Bagoes Oka said the family planning program is not about limiting family size but rather ensuring that couples of reproductive age become pregnant and have children at the right time.
“The readiness of couples of reproductive age is very important — whether they are ready to have children or not,” she said on the sidelines of the Family Planning Monitoring program in Tegal City, Central Java, on Sunday.
Her office found that some couples had unplanned pregnancies because they were not using contraceptives. She said this requires education from family planning counselors and midwives to convey the importance of participating in the program to plan pregnancies for couples of reproductive age.
She said the Family Planning Monitoring program carried out by the Ministry of Population and Family Development and BKKBN across approximately 300 regencies and cities has become a priority and also targets areas with characteristics that require special attention.
She said that in Tegal City, the Family Planning Care program target has been met and even exceeded.
“Therefore, we appreciate the Tegal City Government, including the Health Office, the family planning office, and the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI), who have collaborated to make the family planning program a success. This Family Planning Monitoring program proves that the state is present in providing contraceptive services to the public,” she said.
Based on available information, the majority of Tegal City residents participating in the Family Planning Care program use implant contraceptives, which last approximately three years, followed by IUDs.
She added that under the Family Planning Care program, the government will target couples of reproductive age who have recently given birth so they can receive post-delivery contraceptives to maintain birth spacing.