Operationalizing the new concept of sexual and reproductive health in Indonesia

In the 1990s the so-called 'new politics of family planning' has entailed the articulation of a comprehensive concept of sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Following ratification of the SRH concept and goals at recent international conferences in Cairo (International Conference on Population and Development) and Beijing (Fourth World Conference on Women), a major issue at present is how governments (and Ministries of Health in particular) translate the broad statements into operational policies and programmes. This paper explores the ways in which this process is taking place in Indonesia. Following an outline definition of SRH, levels of attainment in Indonesia in eight of its components are briefly reviewed. The policy process in Indonesia is explored in terms of pre-existing reassessments (eg of family planning in the light of fertility decline), setting key priorities and moralistic and pragmatic policy orientations.