Provision Of Contraceptive Devices For Youth, DPR: Don't Be A Free Sex Entrance

JAKARTA - Commission VIII of the DPR RI highlighted the new rules issued by the Government regarding the provision of contraceptives for school-age children and adolescents. The DPR is worried that the regulation could potentially lead to a 'legal' perception of free sex or out of marriage.

The rules regarding the provision of contraceptives for school-age children and adolescents are regulated in Government Regulation (PP) Number 28 of 2024 concerning Health which has just been signed by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). This rule is related to reproductive health efforts, one of which is through the health efforts of the reproductive system according to the life cycle.

"The implementation of regulations regarding the reproductive health of teenagers must be ensured not to be a door for free sex among teenagers," said Member of Commission VIII DPR RI, Luqman Hakim, Monday (5/8/2024).

Article 101 Paragraph (1) PP 28/2024 stipulates that reproductive system efforts according to the life cycle include the health of the infant, toddler, and preschool reductive system; health of the school and adolescent age reproductive system; health of the adult reproductive system; health of the bride-to-be reproductive system; and health of the elderly reproductive system.

Interestingly, Article 103 Paragraph (4) states that the reproductive health services of school age and youth include the provision of contraceptives. The sound of the rule is as follows:

The reproductive health service as referred to in Paragraph (1) at least includes: a. early detection of disease or screening, b. treatment, c. rehabilitation, d. counseling, e. the provision of contraceptives.

In Paragraph (4) it is regulated that reproductive health services which include the provision of contraceptives are carried out through a counseling system carried out by health workers, counselors, and / or peer counselors who have the competence according to their authority.

Luqman underlined the meaning of providing contraceptives for students and adolescents which can create wrong perceptions of sexuality at a young age.

"With direct access to contraceptives, there is a risk that teens will consider sexuality as something that can be overcome with a mere technical mechanism, regardless of essential emotional, moral, and social aspects," he explained.

"This has the potential to promote the idea that sexual intercourse at a young age is acceptable, as long as it is done with the use of contraception, without providing sufficient emphasis on risks and long-term consequences of premature sexual behavior," Luqman continued.

Commission VIII of the House of Representatives, which addresses religious and child affairs, also assesses that reproductive system efforts in accordance with the special life cycle for school-age children or adolescents are not included in the provision of contraceptives. Apart from being able to cause misperceptions about sexual relations, according to Luqman, these rules are not in line with religious norms and susila in Indonesia.

"Therefore, the aspect of reproductive health education for adolescents must be a top priority compared to the provision of contraceptives," he said.

Luqman said it is important to remember that just providing contraceptives is not enough to overcome the challenges of adolescent reproductive health. So sexual education is considered to be a better effort than the provision of contraceptives that seem to legalize teenage sex.

"The main focus should be on a holistic and comprehensive approach that includes quality sexual education, counseling, and emotional support," he explained.

"Education programs in schools must be designed to provide accurate and relevant information on reproductive health, as well as support the emotional and moral development of teenagers," added Luqman.

The legislator from the Central Java VI electoral district also emphasized the importance of reproductive education which must be in line with the identity of the Indonesian nation. Moreover, said Luqman, Indonesia is an eastern country that strictly adheres to susila norms.

"The implementation of reproductive health education is very important to be placed on the basis of the moral values of Pancasila and universal values of religions. This philosophical and ethical foundation will keep teenagers away from free sex," he said.

Luqman understands that Indonesia is currently facing many issues about youth reproduction. Starting from early pregnancy, phenomenon of sex outside of marriage, to child marriage.

However, Luqman assessed that the rules should also be made to pay attention to cultural and religious values that are important aspects for the Indonesian people. Not actually having the potential to support Western activities.

"This program must ensure that teenagers understand not only the technical mechanism of contraception, but also the risks and long-term consequences of premature sexual behavior," explained Luqman.

Furthermore, Luqman also asked for certainty that this program was not driven by the business interests of contraceptives manufacturers only.

The main focus must be on youth welfare and education, not commercial profits. Don't let this program be driven by the manufacturer of contraceptive tools for their only business gain," he said.

Commission VIII of the House of Representatives asked the Government to carefully consider the long-term impact of this policy and ensure that the decisions taken really aim for the welfare of adolescents.

"In facing the challenges of reproductive health among adolescents, we need more than just the provision of contraceptives. Holistic sexual education, emotional support, and moral values-based approaches must be a top priority," said Luqman.

"Thus, our hope is that we can reduce the number of early pregnancy, prevent the phenomenon of sex outside of marriage, child marriage and ensure welfare and healthy development for Indonesian teenagers," he concluded.