Baznas Head Sodik Mujahid received UNFPA at his office in Jakarta on May 18 to initiate talks, focusing on plans to implement a program on reproductive health education among adolescents, according to a statement cited on Thursday.
“We view this initiative as crucial because reproductive health and violence prevention are closely connected. It is a matter of how to factor in local cultural values while preventing free sex and developing harmonious families,” he noted.
The discussion came amid mounting concerns over recurring pesantren sexual violence in Indonesia, including a recent case involving around 50 female students and a now-arrested school leader in Pati District, Central Java.
Mujahid welcomed the program proposed by UNFPA, highlighting its alignment with Baznas’ role in education, health, and protection for vulnerable communities.
He emphasized that promoting reproductive health is key to preventing and reducing sexual violence risks and other problems typically associated with teenage citizens.
According to him, the program will extend beyond schools to efforts aimed at lowering maternal and infant mortality rates among low-income residents, which remain high.
He affirmed that Baznas is prepared to support the program through the mobilization of alms funds to help poor families access proper healthcare and maternity services.
“The plan is to sign an MoU as a follow-up in a bid to prevent sexual violence and free sex, promote healthy reproduction, nurture harmonious families, and avoid maternal and infant mortality,” Mujahid remarked.
Meanwhile, UNFPA Assistant Representative Verania Andria appreciated Baznas and pledged readiness to collaborate in providing reproductive health education to youths and helping schools ensure safety and protection from sexual abuse.
“We are pleased to work with Baznas to provide adolescent reproductive health education in accordance with local religious and cultural values and applicable regulations. Our joint efforts to prevent maternal deaths are expected to help shape a better future for Indonesia,” she said.
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Translator: Sean Filo, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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