Ministry of Population and Family Development Strengthens Family Role in Population Issues

Samarinda (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Population and Family Development (Kemendukbangga)/BKKBN is strengthening the role of families in addressing various population issues, including early marriage, maternal and child health, stunting, and improving the quality of life for the elderly.

“The role of the family is very dominant in preventing early marriage through parenting, character education, instilling religious values, and open communication between parents and children,” said the Secretary of Kemendukbangga/Secretary of BKKBN, Budi Setiyono, during a Zoom meeting in Samarinda on Wednesday.

Budi’s presence in the Zoom meeting was as the main speaker at the Regional Coordination Meeting for the Family Development, Population, and Family Planning Programme (Bangga Kencana) at the East Kalimantan Province level for 2026, organised by the BKKBN Representation for East Kalimantan.

Budi continued that parents play an important role in supervising their children’s social interactions, instilling understanding of reproductive health risks, and motivating children to pursue education so that they do not consider marrying at a young age.

In connection with this, his side continues to strengthen the Gerakan Ayah Teladan Indonesia (GATI), a programme focused on preventing the fatherless phenomenon (lack of a father figure), reducing stunting, and building independent, competitive character in children, as well as realising harmonious families.

“The main goal of the GATI programme is to increase the active role, emotional involvement, and responsibility of fathers in child-rearing, protection, and education from an early age,” said Budi.

The regional coordination meeting, attended by around 100 participants, was also marked by the presentation of appreciation certificates by the Head of the BKKBN Representation for East Kalimantan Province, Nurizky Permanajati, to the best districts/cities in the Bangga Kencana programme.

The achievement of family planning participation guidance at the East Kalimantan provincial level for 2025, best 1, was achieved by Kutai Kartanegara (Kukar), best 2 by Penajam Paser Utara Regency, and best 3 by Berau Regency.

Then, the quick win achievement of the Family Development programme (TAMASYA, GATI, SIDAYA) for 2025, best 1, was achieved by Samarinda, best 2 by Berau, best 3 by Balikpapan City.

For appreciation of non-physical dak implementers - family planning operational assistance (BOKB), the highest budget absorption for 2025 was achieved by Balikpapan, best 2 by Kutai Kartanegara, and best 3 by Samarinda City.