Indonesia and UNFPA Forge Strategic Partnership
Human resource competitiveness is at the heart of a new strategic partnership between Indonesia’s Ministry of National Development Planning (PPN/Bappenas) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This collaboration, formalized with the launch of the Country Program Implementation Plan (CPIP) for the 11th cycle (2026-2030), aims to accelerate progress towards national and global goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), gender equality, and improved welfare for all Indonesians.
Key Objectives and Focus Areas
Minister of PPN/Head of Bappenas Rachmat Pambudy emphasized the significance of this cooperation, noting that it will help Indonesia enhance human resource competitiveness by focusing on several priority areas. These include strengthening reproductive and maternal health, advancing gender equality, and supporting the broader health development agenda. The collaboration is crucial to Indonesia’s vision of Golden Indonesia 2045, which relies heavily on a robust, competitive workforce.
Progress in Maternal and Reproductive Health
One of the key achievements highlighted in the partnership is the significant reduction in the Maternal Mortality Rate (AKI), which fell from 346 per 100,000 live births in 2010 to 189 per 100,000 in 2020. Despite this progress, the current rate remains above the targets set by the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) and the SDGs, which are 77 and 70 per 100,000 live births, respectively. The new cycle of cooperation will intensify efforts to reach these ambitious goals, ensuring that reproductive health services are accessible and of high quality throughout the country.
Addressing Demographic Shifts
Indonesia is approaching a demographic milestone—the peak of its productive-age population in 2030. Maximizing this demographic bonus requires substantial investment in human resource competitiveness and population resilience. The partnership with UNFPA is designed to equip Indonesia to meet these demographic challenges head-on, ensuring that the workforce is prepared for the rapid economic and social changes ahead.
Four Main Pillars of the CP11 Program
The CP11 program is built around four transformative pillars:
- Strengthening Reproductive Health Services: Enhancing midwifery education, emergency services for mothers and newborns, and family planning initiatives.
- Boosting Institutional Capacity: Improving planning, budgeting, and stakeholder collaboration to reduce maternal and infant mortality and combat violence against women and girls.
- Advancing Evidence-Based Policy: Developing robust population data systems for informed policy and development decisions.
- Preventing Harmful Practices: Increasing institutional capacity to prevent and address violence and harmful practices affecting women and girls.
Strategic Partnerships and Investment
With an estimated budget of US$38.5 million, the CP11 program will prioritize interventions in regions facing high inequality and vulnerabilities. The program will engage a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, faith-based organizations, academics, and civil society. This inclusive approach is key to building sustainable systems that can support ongoing improvements in human resource competitiveness.
Aligning with National and Global Goals
UNFPA’s Representative in Indonesia, Hassan Mohtashami, reiterated the organization’s commitment to accelerating progress in institutional capacity, closing systemic gaps, and shifting social norms. The partnership aims not just to deliver services, but to strengthen the policies and systems that underpin lasting change. By aligning with both the RPJMN (2025-2029) and the SDGs (2030), the program ensures that Indonesia’s progress in human resource competitiveness is sustainable and globally recognized.
Indonesia’s Leadership on the Global Stage
Beyond its national focus, the partnership will also support Indonesia’s leadership in global development through platforms like the South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC). This will enable Indonesia to share its experiences and innovations in sexual and reproductive health, population management, and gender equality with other nations.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future
The collaboration between Indonesia and UNFPA marks a pivotal transition from service provision to the strengthening of policies and systems. As the country continues to invest in human resource competitiveness, it sets an example for how strategic partnerships can drive national development and contribute to global progress. With a focus on health, equality, and data-driven decision making, Indonesia is well-positioned to achieve its vision for 2045 and beyond.
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