West Java DPRD Proposes Alternative Vasaktomi, Encourages Improvement Of Social Assistance Data

The Deputy Chairperson of the West Java DPRD, Iwan Suryawan, proposed an alternative solution as a substitute for the vasectomi discourse which was once referred to as a condition for receiving social assistance.

He considered that poverty reduction solutions must start from improving the data collection system to job training for the poor.

According to Iwan, the vasectomi polemic arose due to the weak data on social assistance recipients and the lack of family planning education. He emphasized the importance of deliberation of data from the RT/RW level which was announced openly, in order to ensure transparency and prevent social jealousy.

"If the data is clear, there is no need for extreme methods. Citizen consultations are important so that social assistance is right on target," he said, Tuesday, May 6.

Iwan also encouraged social assistance to be given with a certain time limit and integrated with job training. He suggested training programs such as rough work, agriculture, or micro-enterprises so that recipients can be economically independent.

He added that assistance by family and business counseling officers was also needed so that social assistance was not only consumptive.

"So that residents can vent, be guided by the business and the number of children. Don't just give money, but accompany it," he said.

The vasectomi controversy emerged after West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi called it an option for social assistance requirements. He even proposed an incentive of IDR 500 thousand for residents who underwent a vasectomi. However, this discourse received rejection from MUI, Komnas HAM, and several ministers.

West Java MUI declared the vasectomi haram except for certain medical reasons. Komnas HAM said the policy violates human rights if it is mandatory.

Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhaimin Iskandar said that social assistance must be given without coercion, and encourage improvement to the distribution system.

Dedi Mulyadi finally clarified that the vasectomi was not an absolute requirement. He said there are still many other options in the family planning program that can be adjusted to religious and social norms.