Free condom for revelers

Free condom for revelers

JAKARTA (JP): The National Family Planning Board is to dispense free condoms and contraceptive pills to people celebrating the forthcoming Idul Fitri holiday in their home villages.

"Don't forget to take them with you," board chairman Haryono Suyono, who is also the minister of population, told reporters yesterday. "But if you forget, don't worry. They will also be available closer to home," he added.

The contraceptives will be available at every family planning unit, be they in towns or in villages, he added.

The family planning board will also be opening posts in bus terminals and railway stations to hand the free contraceptives out to Idul Fitri revelers.

The board's message is to remind couples to continue the practice of family planning even after Ramadhan, the Moslem fasting month in which sexual intercourse is prohibited during daylight hours.

Many people celebrate Idul Fitri, the holiday that comes after Ramadhan, in their home villages. From Jakarta alone, more than three million people are expected to join the exodus.

Haryono said his office was prepared with the condoms and contraceptive pills. "There'll be enough for everyone," he said.

Haryono's deputy, Sunandar, said those asking for the contraceptives will not be asked to show their marriage certificate.

"What Moslem would lie about these things, especially after Ramadhan?" Sunandar said, when asked about the possibility of the services being abused. (01)