Minister Mendukbangga Visits Baduy Indigenous Community for Family Planning Education

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Population and Family Development (Mendukbangga)/Head of the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN), Wihaji, visited the Baduy indigenous community in Banten to educate them about the Family Planning (KB) Programme.

In order to enhance the quality of the nation’s generation towards Golden Indonesia 2045, the government continues to expand the scope of family planning, including for indigenous communities.

“An adat-based approach in the ‘Sapa Budaya’ activity to educate the community about family planning is something we continue to do so that we can better understand the community’s needs,” said Wihaji on Thursday.

The Ministry of Population and Family Development/BKKBN also collaborates with the Indonesian Midwives Association (IBI) to provide contraception services in various regions. This programme was launched simultaneously nationwide, starting in Lebak, as part of the 75th anniversary of IBI.

“I will dialogue directly with the Baduy Luar and Baduy Dalam communities to understand their needs,” he stated.

As a commitment to gender equality, the Ministry of Population and Family Development/BKKBN routinely implements the male family planning programme or vasectomy every year.

“The government continues to run this programme every year. The requirements are quite strict, namely a minimum age of 35 years, having at least two children, and being in good health. This is done to prevent misuse,” he explained.

Wihaji also took the opportunity to witness education provided to residents by the Family Accompaniment Team and midwives to the residents of Kanekes Village, Lebak, Banten, using the Sunda language.

According to him, an approach by local communities, especially midwives who better understand the terrain, is important for expanding the family planning programme.