That small formal thing

If asked about basic rights we have to admit that we have very little to be proud of, and two days ago we were reminded that in another crucial area of fundamental rights -- the rights of children -- Indonesia ranks below many other countries in the region.

According to the "Progress of Nations 1998," report, which has just been published by the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef), Indonesia's record on child rights ranks below average for the East/South Asia and Pacific region. The report focuses on the success of states in registering each child at birth, immunizing infants against six major diseases, and helping adolescents -- particularly girls -- develop toward adulthood.

According to the report, Indonesia ranks number 13 among 23 countries in the region in birth registration. Indonesia is placed behind countries like Australia, China, Malaysia, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Pakistan and the Philippines. Among those ranked below Indonesia were India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea and Cambodia.

Is the report a slap on our face? To many people here the report may not sound shocking at all and the plaudits directed at the country's immunization programs might serve to temper the embarrassment the report should cause.

Registering births is of crucial importance and should be given the utmost attention because children without birth certificates can be marginalized and face difficulties throughout their lives as the result of an oversight over which they have no control.

Although the Civil Registration Office has conducted a national campaign to encourage parents to register every birth within their family, the fact is that most children who own birth certificates were born in urban centers.

It appears this unpleasant reality has come about as a result of entrenched local traditions and a lack of awareness among parents who live in rural areas. Indonesia is predominantly rural and millions of people live in isolated areas, meaning that it is not easy for them to inform the local registration office of births in the family.

The way in which culture has influenced this negligence is that every time a new baby is expected, the family is made busy in avoiding taboos and fulfilling traditional rites. The family has to be careful not to kill any animal or speak evil of any person. When the pregnant woman leaves home, she has to carry scissors to ward off evil spirits.

When the woman is seven month pregnant tradition dictates that the family hold a special rite to welcome the new baby. After its birth, the father and the rest of the family hold another ceremony to bury the placenta. These traditional rites are followed by Akikah, an Islamic hair shaving ceremony. The baby is given a name when it is seven days old. Although this religious ceremony is not compulsory for those who cannot afford it, many people go to great lengths to hold it.

With all these superstitious obligations to be met and the absence of an understanding of the necessity of obtaining a valid birth certificate for the baby, it is understandable why parents overlook taking a trip to the registrar's office after the baby's birth.

So, by exercising the virtues of patience and showing full understanding, the local authorities should explain to people why a birth certificate is so important. It is proof of place and date of birth, is necessary to enroll in school, apply for a passport, join the military and many other important activities. Children should not suffer as the result of a small oversight made only days after their birth.