Abstract

PIP: Indonesia, the fifth most populous contry in the world, has doubled since 1930 to 121 million persons, and in 1971 had a growth rate of 2.08-2.67%. The population density ranges from 9 persons/square km on the island of Kalimantan to 565/km on Madura and Bali. In Java and Bali 84% of the population is under 15 years of age. The government has acted by creating the Indonesian Family Planning Association in 1957, the National Institute for family Planning in 1969, and the Committee for Coordination of Family Planning in January 1970. Indonesia's effort is hampered by universal and early marriage with pressure for children, especially sons, but fortunately no organized group or religion opposes contraception. The short term public education plan includes mass media and local campaigns. In the long term people will be taught a life style integrating health, education and qualtiy of family life. Family planning will be taught in literacy classes. In Maduar and Bali, 2067 free clinics offer individual choice of contraceptives. Since 1969 3 million couples have used these facilities, 58% taking pills and 35% chosing IUDs. A 1972 survey showed that 54% of new acceptors are under 30, 87% have received less than elementary education, 38% are illiterate, and 57% are peasants.