Deputy Minister: Young People Reluctant to Have Children 'In This Economy'

Deputy Minister of Population and Family Development (Wamendukbangga) Isyana Bagoes Oka has revealed that economic uncertainty is affecting couples’ desire to have children. She made the statement during a press briefing for World Population Day 2026 in Jakarta on Wednesday (8/7/2026), describing the day as a momentum to remind the nation that population dynamics determine its future.

Isyana observed a reality faced by the younger generation in various countries, including Indonesia, where there is a growing tendency for young people to delay or no longer view family life as an easy choice to realise. According to her, this phenomenon cannot be simplified as merely a matter of personal preference. ‘Behind it lie various systemic barriers that affect their ability to plan for the future,’ Isyana said during the event.

Isyana found that the current economic conditions in Indonesia are influencing couples’ desire to have children. ‘For most Indonesian young people, building a family remains a life aspiration. However, they are also faced with various challenges, ranging from economic uncertainty, access to decent work, the high cost of education and housing, the need for quality health services, to the challenge of maintaining a balance between family life and career,’ Isyana explained. These conditions, she continued, ultimately influence important life decisions for the younger generation, ‘including when to start a family and have children.’

Therefore, Isyana stated that Indonesia’s response to population challenges does not stem from an effort to direct the life choices of young people. Instead, the government is striving to create conditions that allow every young person the opportunity to realise their life aspirations freely, responsibly, and with dignity. ‘When young people have access to quality education, productive employment, inclusive health services, adequate social protection, opportunities to participate, and a safe and equitable environment, they will be better prepared to plan their future, including family life, according to their choices and readiness,’ Isyana said.

Isyana also believes this approach aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s fourth Asta Cita mission, which focuses on strengthening human resource development, science, technology, education, health, sports achievements, gender equality, and the empowerment of women, youth, and persons with disabilities as the foundation for national progress. ‘From the government’s perspective, population development is not just about managing demographic dynamics, but ensuring that every citizen has equal opportunities to grow, develop, and contribute optimally to the Indonesian nation,’ Isyana concluded.