Stories

According to the World Prison Brief's assessment in May 2022, Indonesia holds the 21st highest prison occupancy rate globally, with prisons and correctional institutions operating at a 208% occupancy rate. This statistic positions Indonesia as the fourth most overcrowded nation in Asia in terms of prison population density. Overcrowding in prisons significantly amplifies the challenges those behind bars face and is further exacerbated by the absence of national-level regulations. Among the most vulnerable in these settings are women, girls, and young individuals, particularly those who are pregnant, nursing, or have specific healthcare needs. A lack of comprehensive healthcare services within these facilities leaves significant gaps in providing essential care.  The Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association (IPPA), an IPPF Member Association (MA), is leading the way in advancing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for incarcerated individuals across the country. IPPA has established strategic partnerships in more than ten regions, formalised through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). These collaborations include the IPPA Aceh Chapter, IPPA West Sumatera Chapter, and IPPA Riau Islands Chapter, among others, serving over 3000 clients. These collaborations encompass a broad spectrum of services, including SRH education, HIV and STI testing, counselling, and ensuring access to affordable sanitary products and mental health support. IPPA also strongly emphasises providing contraceptive services, specialised counselling facilities, cancer screenings, and prenatal care. Through the RESPOND project, IPPA is dedicated to addressing the immediate SRH needs of incarcerated individuals while striving to establish a comprehensive framework that promotes their overall health and well-being. Eko Maryadi, Executive Director of IPPA, highlights that with the generous support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Australia, reproductive health services have been expanded across 25 IPPA chapters. “Our collaboration with the Department of Corrections and local health agencies is focused on addressing the urgent SRH needs of marginalised communities, particularly women and young people in incarcerated settings. By bridging the gaps in the national SRHR landscape, we prioritise underserved groups and ensure they receive the essential health services they deserve,” he said.  Egy, who actively participated in an awareness session organised by IPPA at a Kalimantan Prison, shared her experience. “The cancer screening awareness session was eye-opening for me. It made me realise the importance of regular health check-ups. Getting my first pap smear highlighted how crucial it is for us in prison to access essential healthcare services. It's an integral part of our overall well-being." Rita, who received medical care at a Jakarta prison, shared similar sentiments. "I used to dismiss my symptoms as minor discomfort. However, the information I received during an awareness session with the friendly IPPA medical team made me rethink this. It led to the discovery of uterine fibroids, and I promptly received treatment. Many of us lack information about our health. Focusing on education and raising awareness, particularly about conditions that often go unnoticed, can be life-changing," she said. In a nation where the total prison population exceeds 270,000, the urgency of addressing the dire state of SRHR within Indonesia's overcrowded prisons cannot be overstated. Incarcerated individuals often fall through the cracks of the national healthcare system, making IPPA's services more crucial than ever. For more information, contact:  Malarvili Meganathan,  Regional Communications, Voice & Media Advisor, [email protected]

Located in the bustling heart of Iloilo City is the RAJAH Community Centre, a dynamic hub with a meaningful mission. RAJAH stands for "Raising Awareness for Junior Advocates on HIV." Established in 2019 by the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP), this centre provides a safe space for HIV testing and support services, free from stigma.  The centre provides counselling and a range of supportive initiatives tailored to its diverse community. What sets this centre apart from other HIV diagnostic and treatment facilities is its unique operational model, primarily driven by volunteers. Many of these volunteers are part of the LGBTIQ+ communities they serve.  Mona Liza S. Diones, the Chapter Program Manager of FPOP Iloilo, noted that a significant number of potential clients still hesitate due to fears associated with visiting a treatment facility. “At RAJAH, we're working to change this perception by providing essential services that promote comfort and eliminate prejudice.”  The centre is a crucial service point that complements existing facilities run by local government units. In partnership with the Department of Health, it provides continuous HIV services, including telemedicine, mobile clinics, and the distribution of essential items such as PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and condoms. PrEP is an oral pill that reduces the risk of contracting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken correctly. Onsite HIV testing is available for individuals aged 15 and above, following the guidelines of the HIV and AIDS Policy Act in the Philippines, which allows those between 15 to 18 to access testing without parental or guardian consent.  As of January 2023, the Philippines recorded 110,736 cases of HIV. The number of people with HIV is projected to rise by 200%, from 158,400 in 2022 to 364,000 by 2030. 

In a significant development towards improving access to contraception and advancing reproductive rights in the Asia-Pacific region, the Contraceptive Policy Atlas for Asia and the Pacific Region 2023 was officially launched at a side event during the 7th Asian and Pacific Population Conference (APPC) in Bangkok, Thailand.  The event was organised by the International Planned Parenthood Federation – East and South East Asia and Oceania Region (IPPF ESEAOR) in partnership with the FP 2030 Asia Pacific Hub and the European Parliamentary Forum on Sexual and Reproductive Rights (EPF).  Civil society organisations, youth leaders, development partners, private institutions, and government representatives came together with a shared mission: to drive change by discussing current policies, identifying gaps, and enhancing data collection for contraceptive programs and access in the region.

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), in partnership with UNFPA, UNICEF, PLAN International, and Organon, convened a pivotal Regional Policy Dialogue on Unintended Pregnancies in Southeast Asia. This two-day event, held in Bali, Indonesia, from October 19-20, brought together over 100 key stakeholders, including youth leaders, youth networks, government representatives, development partners and private institutions. The discussions during the two-day event were multifaceted, encompassing topics such as analysing data and trends related to unintended pregnancy among adolescents in Southeast Asia, exploring evidence-based approaches to tackle this challenge, and evaluating existing policies while identifying gaps and opportunities. All of this was done through a youth-oriented and intergenerational lens. The event aimed to foster collaboration, partnerships, and greater accountability among stakeholders to collectively address adolescent pregnancy, recognising the importance of a unified effort in ensuring the well-being of young individuals in the region. Tomoko Fukuda, Regional Director, IPPF East, Southeast Asia and Oceania Region (ESEAOR), emphasised unwavering commitment to addressing the sexual and reproductive health challenges young people face in the region. She stated, "Our focus goes beyond mere statistics; it's about ensuring every girl has the choice, the right, and the support she needs. Unintended pregnancies are a stark reminder of broader systemic gaps, and we are dedicated to addressing them. Anjali Sen, Country Representative, UNFPA Indonesia, said, “Adolescent pregnancy is a global concern, but its impact is profoundly felt in Southeast Asia. It is a challenge that affects not only the health and well-being of young girls but also the socio-economic development of our nations.”   Adolescent pregnancy, particularly adolescent girls, significantly affects young individuals' health and well-being. It often leads to reduced educational opportunities and limited employment and economic advancement prospects. This perpetuates cycles of disadvantage, inequality, poverty, and adverse health outcomes that impact young girls, their families, and their communities. 

In a remarkable show of unity and dedication, 95 dynamic delegates and youth leaders representing 24 Member Associations from the East, Southeast Asia, and Oceania Region convened in Bali, Indonesia, from October 16-18. This gathering, "Convergence For Change: Regional Meeting and Youth Forum," was a transformative platform for engaging presentations, insightful panel discussions, and a rich exchange of ideas. To be impactful in a changing world, IPPF must also evolve. This is the essence of Strategy 2028: The transformation of IPPF to effectively champion Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for those who have been marginalised or excluded, with a strong focus on people-centred care, advancing the sexuality agenda, fostering solidarity for change, and nurturing the federation.  Tomoko Fukuda, IPPF ESEAOR Regional Director, set the tone for this momentous occasion with a resounding call to "bring the power together" and embark on a bold, forward-looking journey to address new challenges and opposition head-on. Strategy 2028 sets a new course that may be more challenging but ultimately leads to the same clear destination.

It’s a scene like many others around the world: a loving family pour over childhood photos, giggling and reminiscing about the memories. This particular scene takes place amongst the swaying palm trees and soft breeze rolling over the island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, and the child they are cooing over – then named Nathanial – is now a beautiful transgender woman, Natalia.   Born in New Zealand to Cook Islanders parents, 36-year-old Natalia (Talia) Lajpold, says she has always known she was female. Talia grew up in Australia and began her transitioning process at the age of 15. In the last year of her schooling, Talia decided to wear the girl’s uniform to school but was met with disapproval from the school authorities.   "A lot of people think [being transgender] is a choice but if I had a choice, I would choose for things to be normal, the way I was born. Because it’s really hard. High school was hard."   Being bullied by her peers as well as facing disapproval from teachers made school the primary source of rejection Talia faced as a young transgender girl. Throughout her childhood, she was criticised for her personality, interests and behaviour for being ‘too feminine.’  “Tutors and teachers would express concern. All her friends are girls and they thought something was wrong with her. They knew what it was, but they just didn’t want to name it or acknowledge it. Interestingly, we took her to an Anglican counselling service and the counsellor admitted that there’s nothing wrong with her,” shared Talia’s mother, Carolyn.  Despite the rejection Talia faced, she received immense love and support from her family and local LGBTQIA+ friendly organisations.   “I want to be a girl,” Talia once said to her mom. She also decided to write a letter to her dad.  Although Talia was initially worried about her father’s response about her desire to transition, Talia’s father assured her of his unconditional love. “You’re my child, why would I not support you? It doesn’t matter what you want to be, you just be yourself,” said Talia’s father, Jodef.  When the school didn’t approve of her transitioning, Talia’s family transferred her to a beauty school, where she started working as a young woman.  Now living in Rarotonga, the capital of the Cook Islands, Talia receives services from IPPF’s Member Association, the Cook Islands Family Welfare Association (CIFWA), including a prescription for hormone replacement therapy. She has also recently undergone gender-affirming surgery in Bangkok.  Since moving to the Cook Islands, Talia has seen immense support and acceptance towards the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride flags are on display throughout the island to endorse the recent decriminalization of homosexuality in April. Despite the Act never having never been applied, its symbolic nature meant that LGBTQIA+ people felt victimised and discriminated against as the law propagates a message of intolerance.  The rainbow community are integral to Cook Island’s culture. Known as Akava'ine, transgender women in the Cook Islands’ Māori culture hold cultural and societal significance where they are upheld as holders of knowledge, culture, compositions, and choreography. Talia has embraced the word Akava’ine as inspiration for the name of her homemade jewellery line.  Valery Wichman, the President of Te Tiare Association (TTA), one of the three main rainbow associations in the Cook Islands credited with advocating for the passing of the bill, explained: “Culturally and socially, we are accepted. We contribute to our community. We are considered masters of an art. It is a privileged position to have in our culture.”   Similarly, Dean Tangata, who is the Humanitarian Focal Point for CIFWA, added the significant role trans women have in the Cook Islands culture. According to Dean, “As soon as there is any event, the first people you seek out are the transgender community. You have to book them early as they are the costume makers. That's the position they hold in our cultural society - and it is a high status.”  Talia’s parents say they often receive questions about their child’s transitioning process, and they emphasise the importance of education about gender fluidity and the need to normalize LGBTQIA+ people and cultures within our communities. Talia, like many others, believes that this bill is an important milestone in reaching a brighter and more inclusive future.    Post uploaded on: ippf.org