Sexual Education in Indonesia Presented by Lucy Tusan EEG402 – Teaching in a Global Classroom

“The more people understand, the more they can take responsibility for their own sexual behavior. That could change teenagers’ attitudes toward sex all across Indonesia.” - Andreas Nugahita, aged 13.

firmly in its traditional ways and teachings, where often culture and religion take precedence over modern teachings Indonesia Source:

IndonesiaAustralia

How can a subject such as sexual health and wellbeing still be a moralistic issue, thus unwilling to be added to the national curriculum, when it is a subject that is so vital to adolescents?

Planned Parenthood Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association (IPPA) in Yogyakarta (photo) has been providing sexual education since 2008, and has implemented their program in over 50 schools around the province (International Planned Parenthood Federation, 2013). sexual education covers not only questions regarding the actual act of sex, but also delves into the topics of sexual health, the male and female human body, self respect and relationships. introduced to young people at an often vulnerable time Source: donesias-young-people- demand-comprehensive- sexuality-education

Jurnal Perempuan Strong beliefs that sexual education is not only necessary, but extremely important, thus should be added to Indonesian schools immediately Unlike Indonesia’s Education Minister, Muhammad Nuh, formal sexual education is not necessary as he believes that teenagers will learn about sex “naturally” or at least should only be discussed within the home Jurnal Perempuan believe that it should no longer be a taboo topic, but rather be open for discussion amongst students, teachers, families and government officials. Source:

Debate ‘ Should sexual education have a place in Indonesia’s national curriculum ?’ see both perspectives regarding the issue, as they would have to place themselves in the mindsets of students, teachers, families, government representatives, religious leaders and health organizations. students will be able to provide a thorough and thought-provoking argument.

AusVels - ‘Physical, Personal and Social Learning’ ‘Interpersonal Development’ building effective social relationships and relating well to others require[ing] individuals to be empathetic, and to be able to deal effectively with their own emotions and inner moods” students learn about “responsibilities that underpin the formation of effective relationships” ‘Introduction to Health and Physical Education’ explore the developmental changes one will experience through their lifespan such as puberty and human sexuality. focuses on “the establishment of personal identity, factors that shape identity and the validity of stereotypes” identify the harms associated with particular situations and behaviours and how to take action to minimize these harms.”

Knowledge should never be taboo

References Ausvels.vcaa.vic.edu.au, (2015). AusVELS - Interpersonal Development - Introduction. [online] Available at: Development/Overview/Introduction [Accessed 28 Jan. 2015]. Ausvels.vcaa.vic.edu.au, (2015). AusVELS - Health and Physical Education - Introduction. [online] Available at: Education/Overview/Introduction [Accessed 28 Jan. 2015]. International Planned Parenthood Federation, (2013). Indonesia's young people demand comprehensive sexuality education. [online] Available at: education [Accessed 21st Jan. 2015]. Jurnal Perempuan, (2015). pendidikan-seks-bukan-tabu. [online] Available at: [Accessed 27th Jan. 2015]. Statistics Indonesia (Badan Pusat Statistik – BPS), National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN) and Kementerian Kesehatan (Kemenkes – MOH), and ICF Internation (2013). Indonesia Demographic and Health Survery Jakarta, Indonesia: BPS, BKKBN, Kemenkes, and ICF International Worldpopulationreview.com, (2015). Indonesia Population World Population Review. [online] Available at: [Accessed 20 th Jan. 2015].