KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesia health advocates have criticized the country's health ministry's continued refusal to distribute free condoms to teenagers in the country, arguing that it could result in unwanted pregnancies and the rise in infectious diseases among the country's youth. On Monday, Indonesia's Health Minister Nafsiah Mboi reiterated that she would not distribute free condoms to teenagers in a move to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS, as lawmakers summoned her to explain and clarify earlier statements. “We will only distribute [condoms] in certain places, such as places of prostitution, massage parlors, tourism spots and other places that pose a high risk of sexual activities," Nafsiah said before a meeting with members of the House of Representatives' Commission IX, which oversees health and population. “There is no distribution of condoms to teenagers," she added. The minister further explained that free condoms would only be distributed among the “high-risk" poor, saying the government would not let them contract sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, just because they could not afford condoms. But advocates argued that her decision “hinders the ability to educate young people and create a better society based on health realities.” One social worker in Jakarta, Miniafa Tutoah told Bikyamasr.com that “teenagers are the most at-risk segment of society because they are not being given proper sexual health education and the minister is simply continuing the status quo that will see more problems in the near future.” She argued that young Indonesians are not “going crazy” but that “they need the condoms in case they decide to become sexually active. We do not need unnecessary and unwanted pregnancies and other infections spreading among the younger population. It is irresponsible on the ministry's part.” As for schools, the minister said, “it was more important to educate students on religious teachings and morals, as well as reproductive health and the danger of narcotic and stimulant use.”
