Ministry of Population and Family Development: Social Solidarity a Key Factor for Demographic Bonus

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Population and Family Development (Kemendukbangga)/BKKBN states that social solidarity in the Family Planning (KB) Programme is a key factor in achieving the demographic bonus. Kemendukbangga/Head of BKKBN Wihaji emphasises that the demographic bonus currently enjoyed by Indonesia is the result of long-term efforts in the family planning programme built over several decades. Previous generations, particularly the baby boomers, were known for their discipline, obedience, and high spirit of togetherness. “We are reaping this demographic bonus from Prof Haryono Suyono (the first Head of BKKBN) with the KB programme, which has given birth to today’s demographic bonus, namely the productive age group of 14-65 years. Social solidarity is an important factor in the success of the family planning programme in its time,” he said in an official statement in Jakarta on Sunday. Wihaji explained the togetherness in how acceptors were gathered, provided with, and convinced about contraception as a method in the KB approach. He also stressed the importance of reinforcing the KB programme as the main strategy to create quality human resources while accelerating poverty alleviation, as population control must go hand in hand with improving the quality of human resources. Meanwhile, Haryono Suyono, Head of BKKBN from 1983–1998, reminded that Indonesia’s family planning programme success has received international recognition. In 1989, Indonesia received the UN Population Award from the United Nations (UN) for its strong commitment in significantly reducing the fertility rate by more than 50 percent. He stated that this achievement forms an important foundation in shaping an ideal population structure as capital for future national development and a valuable legacy for subsequent generations in population development. “Our institution has successfully made our population structure straight, with no bends at all. Everything is straight and has sharpness,” said Haryono. Through cross-generational collaboration and reinforcing the family planning programme, Kemendukbangga/BKKBN reaffirms its commitment to optimising the demographic bonus through quality family development. Strengthening the eight functions of the family is the government’s main strategy to produce healthy, productive, and competitive human resources while accelerating sustainable poverty alleviation.