"Currently, we see Indonesian women can contribute more, particularly beyond domestic scope. We see many women who can take part in public domain. This, of course, is the development R.A. Kartini would have wanted," Oka said here on Tuesday.
However, according to data from National Obstetrics and Gynaecology Association (POGI), Indonesia records maternal mortality rate of 189 per 100 thousand live births, placing the nation among the highest in Southeast Asia.
Oka emphasized that achieving the national goal must begin with mothers, the central figure to the smallest unit of society, the family. Hence, her administration collaborate with other ministries, institutions, and stakeholders to improve women's quality of lives.
"Programs such as Free Health Checkup (CKG) is an effort to support early detection," she said.
The ministry is also collaborating with POGI to educate the public about the importance of women’s health and to strengthen the capacity of healthcare workers, she added.
On the occasion, Oka commended POGI’s initiative to establish the Indonesian Women’s Home (R-PRIN) in commemoration of Kartini Day. The facility will serve as an integrated center for education, services, and women’s empowerment. She noted that a nation’s bright future begins with empowered women.
She also outlined several initiatives undertaken by the ministry to address health challenges, including providing education for teenage boys and girls on the importance of pregnancy planning.
“It does not mean we are encouraging them to get pregnant out of wedlock. Not like that. With knowledge and education from early on, they will know what needs to be done and can plan ahead,” Oka elaborated.
Moreover, to improve parenting quality within households, the ministry initiated the National Exemplary Father Movement (GATI). The program is expected to encourage fathers to complement mothers’ roles and contributions in raising children.
By fostering the presence of two strong parental figures, it is expected that children—both boys and girls—will develop empathy and a better understanding of the challenges women face, as well as how they can help address them, she remarked.
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Translator: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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