PALEMBANG, South Sumatera: Indonesian Midwife Association
PALEMBANG, South Sumatera: Indonesian Midwife Association chairperson, Mrs. Wastibar Moesbir, asks for security protection for midwives in handling their duties due to mounting threatens upon them recently. While Irianjaya branch had warned to pull out all midwives from remote villages.
"I ask for security protection for midwives especially for those who are placed in remote villages. As we know, many midwives especially in remote villages or conflict-torn regions handle their duties under mounting threats", told Mrs. Moesbir in her opening speech for Indonesian Midwife Association workshop in Palembang this morning, Sept 3, 2001.
According to Moesbir, some of them have claimed midwives lives. "Yes, there were some cases especially in conflict-torn regions, such as Aceh and Irian Jaya, which have claimed midwives' lives", told Moesbir without mentioning exact number. "That is why, we need security umbrella for midwives inhandling their duties", Moesbir added.
Tuti, delegate from Irianjaya unveiled such case happened recently in Wamena Irian Jaya. A midwife in Wamena died recently because of arrow-attack. Following the case, Midwife Association of Irianjaya branch had sent a warning letter to all regents to pull out all midwives from remote villages. "We had told all regents that we will pull out all midwives whenever they feel under threats", told Tuti.
In response to demand, Minister Suyudi, promised to give security protection for midwives. "Don't worry about security affairs for midwives in remote villages. There are officers who protect them. That is why, I hope midwives are able to develop togetherness spirit. Even to be a permanent spouse (marriage partner)", told Suyudi jokingly which was applauded from the audience.
The workshop officially opened by Minister of Health Suyudi this morning and will last until September 6. Some 553 delegates from all over Indonesia take part in the event which will discuss midwives profesionalism and quality service for people (33)