Potential Population Explosion In Pandemic Times: When 10 Million Indonesian Couples Stop Using Contraception

Photo illustration (Jonathan Borba / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia has not only brought death. Now Indonesia is also experiencing the possible consequences of the explosion in the post-COVID-19 birth rate.

In April, when people across Indonesia stayed at home due to activity restrictions, around ten million married couples stopped using contraception, according to the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN). The data is collected from clinics and hospitals that distribute contraceptives.

Launching the New York Times, Thursday, June 11, many women could not get access to contraceptive injections because health care providers were closed. While other people do not want to be at risk for fear of being attacked by the corona virus.

Now, the Indonesian authorities will face an unplanned birth rate next year. "We are afraid to leave the house, not to mention going to the hospital, which is the source of all illness," said Lana Mutisari, a woman living on the outskirts of Jakarta.

Hasto Wardoyo, obstetrician and gynecologist who is also the head of the BKKBN, estimates that there will be 370 thousand to 500 thousand additional births in early 2021. "We do door-to-door distribution while distributing staple food packages. We also provide free injections (KB). We also carry birth control pills, ”said Hasto.

BKKBN has also stepped up its campaign efforts by going into the field and through social media. They also use trucks with loudspeakers to encourage couples to delay pregnancy until the COVID-19 crisis is over.

Routine clinic visits are mostly disrupted due to COVID-19 which has caused more than 34,000 infections and nearly 1,900 deaths. The involvement of Indonesian authorities with KB began in 1970, when it was under President Soeharto. The government at that time promoted the use of contraception.