PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Indonesia's Family Planning (KB) program has again received international recognition. A delegation from the Pakistani Government visiting Bandung City expressed their admiration for Indonesia's achievements in managing population issues.

"We view Indonesia as a leader in the Asian region, especially in its success in population management. Therefore, we are here to learn," said Deputy Director General of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination of the Government of Pakistan, Soofia Yunus in her speech at the Welcoming Dinner at the Pendopo Kota Bandung, Monday (21/4/2025).

The delegation, comprising nine senior officials from various provinces and federal territories of Pakistan, will spend three days in Bandung to learn more about the field practices of Indonesia's family planning program, including visiting family planning villages and holding discussions with local stakeholders.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as a strategic partner in this program also expressed its support.

“We are looking forward to the interaction and exchange of knowledge over the next three days,” said Melania Hidayat, UNFPA Indonesia representative and family planning program advisor for UNFPA Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan warmly welcomed the delegates. He emphasized the importance of international collaboration in facing the challenges of population growth.

"To create harmony, we must work together. Just like the philosophy of angklung, one note cannot be played alone," he said.

Indonesia is considered successful in reducing the total fertility rate (TFR) to a population replacement level of 2.1, much lower than Pakistan, which still faces the challenge of high birth rates and low levels of contraceptive use.

On the same occasion, Secretary of the Ministry of Population and Family Development (Kemendukbangga) Budi Setiyono said that this success cannot be separated from the long journey of the Indonesian KB program which has been running for more than 50 years.

"Without the family planning program, Indonesia's population today could reach almost 400 million. Now, we can maintain the population at 285 million," he said.

This visit is not only a learning opportunity for Pakistan, but also a moment of reflection and strengthening of Indonesia's population diplomacy in the international arena.