Low Participation Prompts Ministry to Boost Research on Male Contraception
The Ministry of Population and Family Development (Kemendukbangga)/BKKBN is encouraging increased research into male contraception to boost men’s participation in family planning, which remains low.
“Users of male contraception are still limited, with around 900,000 condom users and approximately 31,000 vasectomy or Male Operative Method (MOP) participants. The low participation of men is influenced by various factors and is not solely a matter of awareness. Therefore, Kemendukbangga is promoting the development of research on male contraception, including injectable contraceptives for men,” said Wahidin, Deputy for Family Planning and Reproductive Health Development at Kemendukbangga/BKKBN, in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Wahidin noted that currently, only two contraceptive methods are available for men: condoms and vasectomy. He stated that research into male contraception could provide more options for heads of households who decide to practise family planning.
Kemendukbangga is also targeting increased male participation in family planning. The current policy direction for Family Planning and Reproductive Health (KBKR) is aimed at improving access to and the quality of comprehensive, inclusive, area-based, and targeted family planning services.
“One specific target is to increase the involvement of husbands in family planning programmes and decision-making regarding contraceptive use,” he said.
Wahidin stressed that the choice to use family planning should not be solely the woman’s burden. Through initiatives such as the Ayah Idaman programme, Kemendukbangga/BKKBN continues to educate the public on the importance of equality in family decision-making regarding contraceptive use.
“Kemendukbangga emphasises that decisions about contraceptive use should be made jointly by husband and wife. The concept of equality does not mean dividing roles exactly the same, but ensuring that men and women have equal rights in family decision-making,” Wahidin stated.