Nusa Dua, Bali (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Deputy Minister for Population and Family Development Isyana Bagoes Oka on Friday emphasized that family planning is not only a public health tool but also a vital part of the country’s long-term development strategy.
“Family planning is a long-term investment in Indonesia’s human resources,” Oka said during the 2030 Asia Pacific Family Planning Forum in Nusa Dua, Bali.
She said the flagship programs under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration align with the core principles of family planning, aiming to strengthen health, education, and economic resilience at the family level.
One of the key initiatives is the free nutritious meal program (MBG), which addresses food security while stimulating the economy by empowering women and supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Other major programs include People’s School and Garuda School, designed to improve the quality and competitiveness of Indonesian talent.
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To further boost grassroots economic growth, the government has launched the Red and White Cooperatives for Villages. It also rolled out a free health check-up program to promote early detection and screening.
“All these initiatives reflect a holistic approach to family development, integrating nutrition, education, health, and economic empowerment into a family-based ecosystem,” Oka told delegates from 13 countries.
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She said investing in human resources now is crucial to harnessing the country’s demographic bonus. Currently, Indonesia has about 196 million people of working age (15–65 years). Government data shows the demographic surplus began in 2012 and is expected to last until 2045, which marks 100 years of Indonesia’s independence.
“When we invest in family planning, we invest in human capital. When we empower women and youth, we strengthen families—and when families are strong, the nation is strong,” Oka said.
