RI Has Potential To Lead In Family Planning Programmes

Nusa Dua, Bali, Dec 5 (ANTARA) - Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), believes that Indonesia has the potential to lead the world in family planning programmes. "Indonesia has the potential to lead the world in family planning programmes," said Osotimehin, at the Global Youth Forum, on Wednesday. Indonesia`s Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare, Agung Laksono, agreed with Osotimehin that the country is ready to lead the world in family planning programmes. "Indonesia has developed a family planning scheme, which other countries can emulate," Agung said. According to him, the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN) and other related agencies have worked hard to come up with this family planning scheme in Indonesia. Meanwhile, Sudibyo Alimoeso, spokesman for BKKBN, said the board is currently working with various parties, including the National Defence Forces (TNI), the Indonesian Medical Association, private hospitals and religious organisations to facilitate the family planning scheme. By working closely with these parties, Sudibyo believes that the family planning scheme can reach its expected target. He noted that the family planning scheme has made significant progress so far. "Other countries can emulate Indonesia in the area of family planning. We hope that Indonesia can lead the world in family planning programmes," he said.