In the framework of South-South and Triangular Cooperation, the Indonesian government, through the Ministry of State Secretariat (Kemensetneg) and the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN), has partnered with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Malaysian government, represented by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), to launch a capacity-building program focused on adolescent reproductive and mental health. Officially opened on Monday (September 9), the program, titled SSTC Sharing Best Practices Among Youth on Adolescent Reproductive Health Between Indonesia and Malaysia, brought together 26 participants from Malaysia's Kelab Sahabat Kafeteen, a community-based initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development, alongside LPPKN. Accompanied by eight representatives from universities, schools, and government institutions, the 18 young participants, aged 16 to 24, focused on exchanging knowledge and best practices regarding the role of peer group support in addressing issues related to adolescent reproductive and mental health.
In her opening remarks, Noviyanti, Head of the Bureau for International Technical Cooperation at the Ministry of State Secretariat, emphasized the crucial role of youth in shaping the future of the nation. She underlined the importance of creating an ecosystem that supports adolescents in navigating their lives. Representing UNFPA, Giasinta Livia highlighted the need to integrate adolescent reproductive health into educational curricula. Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Bendara, Chair of the Regional Board of the UPPKS Group Association (BPD AKU) in Yogyakarta, raised concerns about bullying among adolescents in Yogyakarta, particularly those in university-age groups.
To ensure the program's relevance for the young participants, field visits were prioritized, offering them the chance to engage directly with practitioners, implementers, and policymakers. Participants visited institutions working on adolescent reproductive health, such as the Indonesian Family Planning Association in Yogyakarta and the Gondokusuman Adolescent Family Development Group. They also visited universities supporting peer group initiatives in reproductive and mental health, including the Islamic University of Indonesia and Gadjah Mada University. Additionally, a cultural visit to Krebet Tourism Village introduced the participants to Indonesian culture through workshops on wood batik and gamelan.
This collaboration not only strengthens bilateral relations between Indonesia and Malaysia but also underscores the importance of empowering youth to take an active role in promoting reproductive health awareness among their peers.
