Control Of Birth And Access To Contraception Is The Key To Preventing Stunting In Indonesia

JAKARTA - The Family Planning Program (KB) and Reproduction Health (KR) have a strategic role in controlling population growth and improving the quality of Indonesian human resources. One of the main goals of this program is to prevent stunting through planned and healthy birth control.

This was emphasized by the Secretary of the Ministry of Population and Family Development (Kemendukbangan)/President Secretary of the BKKBN, Prof. Budi Setiyono, when opening the Quantitative Consolidation of Contraceptive Devices and Drugs (Alokon) for the 2026 Fiscal Year and the alignment of the 2025 KB and KR Programs in Tangerang, Banten, Monday 30 July.

The Strategic Role Of KB And KR In Preventing Stunting

According to Prof. Budi, improving the quality of the population does not only depend on the number, but also on how each individual is born and raised in a healthy and planned family. The KB and KR programs help prevent pregnancy which is included in the category of four too young, too old, too frequent, and too many' who are at high risk for mothers and babies and trigger stunting.

"Through careful family planning, we can prevent pregnancy at risk and improve the quality of life of future generations," he explained.

In the Strategic Plan 2025'2029, the Ministry of Education and Culture/BKKBN set two strategic indicators: increasing proportions of KB needs that are met with modern methods and decreasing unwanted pregnancy rates. Three other main indicators are:

One positive achievement is the birth rate of teenagers (ASFR) which is already below the national target, which is 18 per 1,000 women of fertile age.

Challenges Of Availability Of Contraceptives And Budget Devices

Prof. Budi highlighted the serious challenges related to the availability of contraceptives. Evaluation in 2025 shows the inequality of distribution of alokons between regions. Some areas experienced a surplus, while others lacked.

"With the 2025 budget allocation of only Rp. 200 billion from the ideal requirement of Rp. 850 billion, the Alokon stock is estimated to be sufficient until September 2025," he said. BKKBN has submitted a request to open a budget block to the President to ensure the sustainability of the program.

The Importance Of KB Mandiri And Regional Roles

With more than 40 million fertile age pairs (PUS) in Indonesia, the calculation of contraceptive needs must be based on data. The Ministry of Education and Culture/BKKBN encourages local governments to develop projected needs realistically.

In addition, independent family planning also continues to be encouraged through public education and the use of traditional methods such as calendar systems. "Resident control is not only the duty of the state. Families must be actively involved as part of the solution," said Prof. Budi.

To accelerate the achievement of targets, the Ministry of Education and Culture/BKKBN launched five innovative programs, namely:

Population Explosion Risk If Contraception Fails To Be Available

Deputy for Family Planning and Health Reproduction, Drs. Wahidin, M.Kes, warned that delays or supply shortages of contraception could trigger population explosions, ultimately burdening basic services such as health, education, and housing.

Contraception also plays a major role in stunting prevention. Unplanned birth increases the risk of children stunting," said Wahidin.

He also conveyed the importance of contraceptive development for men. Currently, 97% of contraceptive users are women, while options for men are still limited.

The consolidation activity will take place from June 30 to July 3, 2025 in Tangerang, followed by 101 participants from various provinces, including the regional KBKR Team, the Central BKKBN Quantification Team, and other stakeholders.