Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Population and Family Development Wihaji stated that his ministry has integrated the Information System for Contraceptive Devices and Drugs Supply Chain (SIRIKA) with the Family Information System (SIGA).

"This integration is a concrete solution for controlling the availability of contraceptive drugs and devices, addressing both surplus and shortages," he said during the launch of the system integration in Jakarta, which was also followed online on Monday.

He explained that the integration of these systems is expected to help the government validate data on the stocks of contraceptive devices and drugs. The integrated system will undergo trials in several regions.

Wihaji emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to achieve the desired outcomes of national programs, including those related to population control and family planning.

"We live in an era where technology serves as a primary tool in program implementation. However, it should be noted that technology is meant to facilitate, not hinder, our efforts. We must develop applications that are effective, efficient, and simple," he said.

He stressed the importance of submitting valid and accurate data to the system to enable the government to make strategic decisions.

"For example, it is crucial to properly record the use of contraceptive implants. It would be nonsensical if data indicated that a person repeatedly used implants within an illogical timeframe," he noted.

Meanwhile, the ministry's deputy for family planning and reproductive health, Wahidin, stated that the SIRIKA-SIGA system integration will be implemented at all levels of regional administration.

Hassan Mohtashami, a representative of the United Nations Population Fund in Indonesia, praised the Indonesian government for its initiative to integrate digital systems to advance national family planning programs.

He observed that Indonesia ranks among the countries with the best management of contraceptive drug and device supply chains.

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Translator: Lintang B, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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