Reducing maternal mortality in Indonesia is something I care about deeply. In 2023, the maternal mortality ratio was 189 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. With only five years left until 2030—the deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—we’ve got a big challenge ahead to bring this number down to below 70. It’s an ambitious goal, but it’s one I’ve been working hard on with my amazing team at UNFPA Indonesia.

What’s UNFPA?

UNFPA is the United Nations Population Fund, and it’s all about creating a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person has the chance to reach their full potential. I’ve been lucky to work here, partnering with the Ministry of Health (MoH) to find real, practical solutions to the challenges we face with maternal health. For me, tackling maternal mortality means looking at the entire journey—from before a woman gets pregnant, through pregnancy, childbirth, and after delivery.

Women of Childbearing Age

The first step in preventing maternal deaths is to avoid unintended pregnancies in the first place. No pregnancies mean no maternal deaths, right? So, a big part of what I do is encouraging the use of modern contraceptives, like condoms, IUDs, implants, and permanent options like vasectomy and tubectomy.

But here’s the thing—it’s frustrating to see how much of this responsibility falls on women in Indonesia. Men using vasectomy? It’s almost unheard of—less than 1%, according to the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey. That’s why I’m excited about the Ministry of Health’s training programs for non-scalpel vasectomy techniques. These programs are helping general practitioners in rural areas offer vasectomy services, which I think is a big step toward more balance.

During Pregnancy (Antepartum)

Pregnancy care (or antenatal care, ANC) is also important, but not everyone gets it. Ideally, every pregnant woman should have at least eight ANC visits (WHO recommendation). These visits cover everything from weight and blood pressure checks to iron supplements and tetanus shots. Sadly, only about 57.8% of pregnant women in Indonesia get all these visits. That’s a stat that really sticks with me because it shows how much work we still have to do to make these services available and accessible to everyone.

During Delivery (Intrapartum)

Childbirth is such a critical moment, and honestly, it’s where a lot of things can go wrong. That’s why I’ve been focused on improving intrapartum care. My team has worked with UNICEF, WHO, and the Ministry of Health to roll out Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) guidelines. These are practical tools that help healthcare workers handle emergencies during labor and delivery, saving lives when it matters most.

After Delivery (Postpartum)

The postpartum period—after delivery—is just as important. This is when new moms are most vulnerable, and so are their babies. I’ve been advocating for better postpartum care, like monitoring for complications, supporting breastfeeding, addressing mental health issues like postpartum depression, and providing family planning advice. For me, postpartum care isn’t just about physical health—it’s about making sure moms feel supported, understood, and cared for during this challenging time.

Looking Ahead

Reducing maternal mortality in Indonesia is a huge challenge, but it’s one I’m so passionate about. By closing gaps in access to contraceptives, making sure every pregnant woman gets the care she needs, improving emergency obstetric care, and supporting moms after delivery, I really believe we can get closer to our goal. I’m proud to be part of this work with my team at UNFPA Indonesia and all the incredible people at the Ministry of Health and beyond. Together, we’re fighting for a future where no woman loses her life to preventable causes during pregnancy or childbirth.