Jakarta — June 2, 2026 — Indonesia’s vast geography and cultural diversity continue to shape the delivery of reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH) services, creating both opportunities and challenges. A new joint external review led by the Ministry of Health, with support from WHO, UNFPA, UNICEF, IPAS, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), highlights progress while identifying areas for improvement.
National data shows significant gains: the maternal mortality ratio has dropped from 331 to 140 per 100,000 live births since 2000, fertility has stabilized, and contraceptive use has increased. Yet unmet reproductive health needs remain, and adolescent pregnancies continue to reflect early marriage and limited access to youth‑friendly services.
Field visits across six provinces revealed variations in service quality and systemic challenges, including the management of low birthweight infants, referral delays, and resource constraints. These findings underscore the need for stronger antenatal care, improved neonatal capacity, and better coordination across health facilities.
Indonesia’s decentralisation has given regional governments responsibility for funding, staffing, and managing health services. While this allows for locally tailored solutions, it also places heavy reliance on local capacity. The review emphasizes that consistent technical support and stronger coordination are essential to ensure equitable access nationwide.
Under the leadership of the Ministry of Health, recommendations from the review will guide Indonesia’s roadmap toward a more responsive health system. The goal is to ensure that women, newborns, children, and adolescents across all provinces benefit from quality, equitable RMNCAH services, regardless of geography or circumstance.
