Jakarta. The new Law No. 4 of 2024 on Maternal and Child Welfare (KIA Law) can protect Indonesian couples from the rising childfree trend, according to Bonivasius Prasetya Ichtiarto, Deputy for Population Control at the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN).

"Childfree, as I see it, is still not very popular in Indonesia. The total fertility rate (TFR) per province shows only two provinces with a TFR below two. Through the KIA Law, the government supports women to feel comfortable, so when they have children, they can still pursue careers and engage in productive activities," Bonivasius said in Jakarta on Friday.

Currently, the national total fertility rate, based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), stands at 2.18, meaning each woman, on average, gives birth to two children during her reproductive years.

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo signed the KIA Law into effect on July 2. This law introduces several measures, including extending maternity leave from three to six months. Working mothers are also entitled to proper health and nutrition services and lactation facilities during work hours. Husbands are granted two days of paternity leave during childbirth, extendable by three days.

"We are continuously working to ensure this childfree phenomenon does not occur in Indonesia with the regulations we have," he said.

Addressing the lack of father involvement in child-rearing, Bonivasius highlighted the importance of balanced parenting commitments between fathers and mothers, supported by BKKBN's 'Suami Siaga' (Alert Husband) program.

"The BKKBN has the 'Suami Siaga' program. We hope that the KIA Law and this program can complement each other," he added.

In commemoration of World Population Day on July 11, Bonivasius underscored the importance of inclusive population data to support safe pregnancies and reduce maternal and infant mortality rates during childbirth.

"While these rates have decreased in Indonesia, the causes vary. It remains a significant challenge for us to continue reducing these rates," he stated.

He believes that integrating inclusive data can support pregnancies based on choice rather than chance.

Additionally, BKKBN's contraceptive or family planning programs can support pregnancies based on choice.

"Childbirth should be a choice. Our program is one way to ensure that. BKKBN Head Dr. Hasto Wardoyo said, 'If you want to get pregnant, don't play around; if you want to play around, don't get pregnant.' Therefore, if you want to plan childbirth, do it with family planning," he concluded.