Adolescent Reproductive Health Services in Indonesia: A Challenge to Achieve MDGs

In 2000, Indonesia have a commitment to achieve the target of Millennium Development Goals  in 2015. Survey in 2003 revealed that in Indonesia, the Rate of premarital sex among males age 15-24 years old was 39 percent. Young people particularly women do not have enough knowledge to prevent themselves from STIs (79% have no knowledge of STIs) (BPS, 2004). A study from Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association in nine cities from 2000 to 2003 revealed that 23 percent of women who unmarried and under 25 years of age required an abortion service (PKBI, 2004). Study  in Jakarta showed that of utilization of Adolescent Friendly Health Services (AFHS) was low (2009).

The study used qualitative method (in-depth interview and observation) which involved Adolescent and providers and policy makers as informants and completed with literature study.

Adolescents considered reproductive health as sensitive and taboo issue among their community. They have not accessed on information of the availability of AFHS among youth. Most of them no have knowledge enough on RH, contrast with provider and PHC officer. Even though, the Adolescent Friendly Health Services (AFHS) was started in 2005, there was lack of standard and implementation of adolescent friendly Health Services (Unfriendly schedule, no standard operating procedure, unfriendly environment, not enough providers etc).

The formal system is often not geared to respond to the special needs of adolescents particularly on sexuality matters which still lack between standard and implementation of AFHS,  lack of knowledge on health among youth.

In order to achieve the MDGs, it requires strong commitment among stakeholders, others sectors such as NGOs, private groups, and donors. The commitment and leadership should be achieved through excellent partnership with promoting multi-sectoral responses.