In a statement issued on Friday, Deputy Minister of Population and Family Development Ratu Isyana Bagoes Oka said that Indonesian midwives are deeply dedicated to providing quality healthcare services to the public in support of family development and national maternal and child health programs.
“Midwives are the frontline providers of health services," she said. "They play a key role in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, ensuring safe pregnancies, and delivering quality reproductive health and family planning services.”
To mark its 74th anniversary, the Indonesian Midwives Association (IBI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Population and Family Development, provided family planning (KB) services nationwide from May 5 to 31.
Oka praised the success of the initiative, which set a new Indonesian World Records Museum (MURI) record with 57,936 intrauterine device (IUD) recipients.
“This achievement reflects the hard work and unwavering commitment of midwives across Indonesia. Thank you for your extraordinary dedication and service to the nation,” she remarked.
Oka reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with IBI through strategic programs, particularly ahead of the 32nd National Family Day in June.
“Where there are midwives, there is family planning,” she noted.
She added that the ministry and IBI will continue to collaborate to reduce stunting, improve family planning services, and promote family development.
This cooperation will include capacity-building for midwives, service innovation, data integration, and advocacy for pro-family policies.
Oka encouraged all midwives to continue serving the nation and inspiring society through collaboration and innovation.
The 74th IBI Anniversary carried the theme: “The Strategic Role of Midwives in Fulfilling Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights in Every Crisis Condition, Towards Golden Indonesia 2045.”
Oka said the theme is especially relevant given today’s global challenges, such as climate change, social inequality, and humanitarian crises, which disproportionately affect women and children.
“The role of midwives is becoming increasingly vital in strengthening a responsive and inclusive health system,” she affirmed.
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Translator: Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak
Editor: Anton Santoso
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