Family planning in Indonesia: A source of far-reaching controversy; A rejoinder to Breman and White

Abstract

The author was charged with using her review as a vehicle for airing her own dissatisfaction with criticism and charges of coercion leveled at the Indonesian family planning (FP) program. In fact, only a third of the review is devoted to the topics of population and FP. The author also defends her point that criticisms of the FP program led to serious repercussions that weakened bilateral relations between Indonesia and the Netherlands. She recapitulates the events leading to Indonesia's decision to reject Dutch aid. In 1990, articles appeared in the Indonesian press charging that men had been forced to accept sterilization. Further fuel was added to the fire by inaccurate charges that Indonesian women were receiving contraceptive injections upon marriage when, in fact, they were receiving tetanus immunization. In February 1991, the Netherlands informed Indonesia that it was suspending development assistance until the charges of coercion could be investigated. The Dutch mission arrived in May to investigate programs that had already been suspended along with their funding. In November, the Dili massacre occurred. In January 1992, the Hague decided to resume cooperation in the field of population and FP, but, in March, Indonesia decided to reject all development assistance from the Netherlands. Thus, while the Dili massacre played a major role in the crisis, and the Dutch criticism may have been warranted, the FP controversy definitely contributed to the deterioration of bilateral relations. While allegations of coercion should be investigated, it must be remembered that coercion is not part of the Indonesian FP policy.