Jakarta/Kuala Lumpur, 11 July 2024 - The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) expresses profound concern over the forced eviction that took place yesterday (10th July) in South Jakarta. Approximately 100 municipal police personnel, supported by dozens of police and military officers, carried out the eviction at the office of Perkumpulan Keluarga Berencana Indonesia (PKBI).
PKBI, also known as the Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association (IPPA), is a local Member Association of IPPF. The eviction, mandated by the City Government of South Jakarta and the Indonesian Ministry of Health, involved land IPPA has occupied since 1970, based on Special Capital Region (DKI) Governor Decree No.207/2016. Despite a court ruling deeming the eviction non-executable, authorities removed belongings from the office.
Established in 1957, IPPA is a leading non-governmental organisation (NGO) that provides essential reproductive health services, including counselling, contraceptives, STI and HIV care, cancer screening, youth education, support for sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and infertility treatment. IPPA was instrumental in the formation of the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) and has been dedicated to advancing public health ever since.
In 1970, DKI Governor Ali Sadikin granted the land that has since become home to IPPA's headquarters and training centre, serving communities across Indonesia, including marginalised groups in hard-to-reach areas.
Founder Dr H. R. Soeharto Sastrosoeyoso's visionary leadership in improving reproductive health services in Indonesia was honoured when President Joko Widodo named him a national hero in 2022. This prestigious award underscores the significant role IPPA has played in advancing public health and reproductive rights nationwide, impacting the lives of countless individuals.
Eko Maryadi, Executive Director of IPPA, said:
"Over 67 years, we have served communities across 25 provinces and 178 cities/districts, supporting government programs including Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services, vaccinations, maternal health, and humanitarian assistance during crises. Yesterday's forced eviction from our headquarters in South Jakarta was unjust and deeply disappointing, threatening the continuity of vital health services, especially for marginalised communities. Our commitment remains unwavering, and we hope for a resolution that allows us to continue our mission and serve those in need.”
Dr. Alvaro Bermejo, Director-General of IPPF, said:
“IPPF stands in strong solidarity with the Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association (IPPA). Eviction without due process is not only a violation of rights but also disrupts critical services for marginalised communities, including women, people living with HIV, sexually diverse populations, and incarcerated individuals. This eviction severely impacts the well-being of the communities they serve and highlights the broader implications of such actions.
In recent years, IPPA has been a lifeline during humanitarian emergencies, providing essential services during earthquakes and floods in various provinces of Indonesia. We call upon local authorities to uphold human rights and support IPPA’s crucial work in providing sexual and reproductive health services to Indonesians. Protecting organisations dedicated to public health and human rights is essential. We urge swift action to resolve this matter and safeguard the health and rights of the impacted communities.”
Notes to editors:
Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association (IPPA)
Established in 1957, the Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association (IPPA) is locally registered as an independent, non-profit, and non-governmental association. As a leader in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), IPPA delivers essential services, promotes education and awareness, and influences policymakers to respect, protect, and fulfil SRHR based on human rights principles. Upholding values of dignity, democracy, non-discrimination, gender equality, social justice, and autonomy, IPPA empowers communities, builds inclusive youth movements, and provides comprehensive SRH services. In 2013, approximately 145,503 clients in Indonesia received SRH services through 76 service delivery points.
About the International Planned Parenthood Federation
The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global healthcare provider and a leading advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. We are a movement of 150 Member Associations and Collaborative Partners with a presence in over 146 countries. Building on a proud history of 70 years of achievement, we commit to lead a locally owned, globally connected civil society movement that provides and enables services and champions sexual and reproductive health and rights for all, especially the under-served.
IPPF East & Southeast Asia and Oceania Region (ESEAOR), based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is one of IPPF’s six regional offices, with a Sub Regional Office for the Pacific in Suva, Fiji.
For more information and media enquiries, contact:
Malarvili Meganathan,
Regional Communications, Voice & Media Advisor,
East, Southeast Asia and Oceania Region
[email protected]
when