The family planning campaign “dua anak cukup” (translating to “two children is enough”) is outdated and is a source of underpopulation, says Bali Governor Wayan Koster.
Speaking at the 73rd Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia Teachers Association (PGRI) and National Teacher’s Day at the Gedung Ksirarnawa Art Center in Denpasar on Monday, Koster detailed his plan to stop the “two children” campaign.
The campaign, promoting the ideal family as having two children, was launched in the 70s, but this ends up leaving Bali short on population, says Koster.
“In Bali, there is a constant population deficit,” Koster explained, as quoted by Bali Express.
In Balinese culture, there should be four children, according to the governor. This is evident given the traditional Balinese naming system, where first-born children are called Wayan, Gede, and Putu, second-born children are called Made, Kadek, and Nengah, while third-born children are Nyoman or Komang, and fourth-born children are given the name Ketut.
There are a lot of people named Wayan, Gede, and Putu, but Ketut is a dying name, says Koster.
“Four, you should have four if you can.
“If you can’t have four, no problem. The important thing is not to be limited to two. Try four, five, or six,” he suggested.
In rejecting this campaign, Koster says he’s asked the National Family Planning Coordinating Board (BKKBN), as well as teachers, to no longer socialize “dua anak cukup”. The governor also plans to talk to regents and mayors to demand the same.
“This is not suitable for Bali, stop the family planning campaign,” he said.
