Question from Chase

Is the birthrate there low due to poverty?


ANSWER: The birth rate in Indonesia appears very stable the last 7 years with each fertile woman averaging 2.31 children. This number has decreased during this time but has always increased but never going above. The quality of life is gradually improving for most meanwhile, control of population growth is carried out through efforts to lower the birth and mortality rate, especially that of infants and children. These efforts in particular have been implemented through family planning programs which also have the purpose of improving the welfare of mother and child. Contraception has become more widespread and effective, making it easier to plan families.

I also think that people are more aware of what they can and can not provide for their family and are more concerned with surviving. The government is very pro-active in controlling the population and family planning is highly encouraged. There is the National Family Coordinating Board in Indonesia, they have programs designed to improve access to contraception for poor people living in slum areas, disadvantaged and remote regions. The Ministry of Health health insurance plan for the poor distributes free contraception to poor people and educate them in using it properly. It is reported that about 62% of Indonesian population participate in family planning programs.