Thus, the potential risks of child marriage will affect the health of babies and their parentsJakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Lestari Moerdijat called on the government to be consistent in preventing child marriages to prepare excellent and quality human resources for the future.
Moerdijat, in a statement issued by the MPR here on Friday, stated that consistent efforts to suppress the number of child marriages must be made in various ways and supported by all parties to realize a competitive and strong next generation.
The National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) recorded that child marriage cases in Indonesia are showing a downward trend. The conclusion is made based on the number of girls, who get pregnant or give birth in the age bracket of 15-19 years.
In 2013, the number of girls under the age of 19 that gave birth, got pregnant, and got married was recorded at 36 per one thousand population, and as of July 2023, the figure was recorded at 26 per one thousand population.
The BKKBN is targeting to reduce the figure to 22 per one thousand population.
According to Moerdijat, the downward trend in the number of child marriages should be continued in an effort to support the national human resource development program.
She noted that child marriage could potentially cause a higher risk of infant mortality, babies born prematurely, malnourishment, and children at risk of stunting.
In addition, she said, based on records from health experts, those entering child marriage face serious physical and psychological health risks.
"Thus, the potential risks of child marriage will affect the health of babies and their parents," she stressed.
With the major risks posed by child marriage, Moerdijat called for the need for various preventive efforts and support from relevant parties.
The MPR deputy speaker assessed that prevention could be conducted through policies while emphasizing that increasing the community's awareness of the risks of child marriage was of greater importance.
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Translator: Fauzi, Raka Adji
Editor: Sri Haryati
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