 A few moments ago there has been news on further follow up of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia with the Government of Tunisia on Family Planning and Reproductive Health (FP/RH) (Kompas, 24th April 2007, Pelita 25th April 2007). The news also reviewed some estimates on FP program achievement prior to the implementation of Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS) 2007-2008. This news was receiving a positive response for further review.
Firstly, some evidences indicated that several MOUs have never been followed up with further actions. Proudly, this has never happened in DAMANDIRI foundation. Despite some of its MOUs are still pending, but mostly are implemented within short period of time.
Secondly, Indonesia used to be a reference for other countries, especially on FP/RH program. Around 4,000 overseas training participants from different countries have visited Indonesia to learn subjects related to their disciplines. Those visitors could be equal to President of a country, Ministers, until Head of Village in their own countries. Therefore, once Indonesia deserved an attribute of ‘Center for excellence’ in FP/RH international training program.
Additionally, Indonesia has also contributed to other developing nations in term of food security, the management of foreign assistance, agriculture development, and FP/RH field. It is imperative to note that a formed community institution so-called as POSYANDU in Indonesia, is also found in many other countries, as if they replicate the concept of POSYANDU into their own countries. The country of Tanzania in the Middle Africa even has conducted a demonstration plot in agriculture with experts and materials from Indonesia. Yet, whether this demonstration plot still exists in Tanzania, remains a question mark.
However, the current figures on participants of FP/RH international training programs has declined significantly due to reducing funds for such exchange training programs. Another reason is maybe the inclining of Indonesia’s rank among international society. These challenges should be addressed carefully, and effectively.
The other perspective that once attracted international attention was Indonesia’s success in reducing fertility level. This achievement put Indonesia into a high prestige, by which Prof Dr. Haryono Suyono was often invited to many international forums and events. As an example, he was invited to hearing sessions in US House of Representative twice. This phenomenon maybe does not belong to Indonesia anymore, as many other countries have also already achieved similar success. The remaining challenge is that Indonesia is still able to offer international participants some innovative strategy to cover gaps due to development impacts and current reforms. This point should have a special attention related to the implementation of upcoming IDHS in 2007-2008.
Beside providing figures on fertility and mortality level, the IDHS also provides information on community participation in FP/RH, level of knowledge among others in HIV/AIDS, and also utilization of health services and its personnel.
Once again, Tunisia is considered as a moderate moslem country, especially with regard to FP/RH program. Indonesia is actually belonging to similar moderation, except this is rarely documented and thus hardly ever socialized to the international society.
In brief, it is challenging to maintain our performance in both national and international arena and keep up our record.
(Pr/28/4/07) |
