12 August 2008
Tackling population issue and protecting the environment won’t
be effective without the strong involvement of youth –
which makes up about 30% of Indonesia’s population.
Access to education, health care, empowerments and their awareness
on population and environmental issues determine the sustainability
of the national development through population and environmental
aspects.
" Investments are needed to ensure proper education,
good health for optimal involvements of the youth,”
said Dr. Zahidul Huque UNFPA Representative during the commemoration
of the International Youth Day.
Many Indonesian youth, explained Lola a transgender activist,
still face difficulties to continue their study to higher
education and to access various empowerments. “Especially
marginalized groups, like transgender, youth in sex works,
drug users, we are often denied our rights to jobs, access
health care and information, among others,” she said.
Lack of reliable information, including on reproductive health
make them vulnerable to early pregnancy, sexually-transmitted
infections and data from Ministry of Health said that new
cases of HIV infections is highest among young people. In
addition, the country’s efforts to stabilize population
growth and eradicate poverty also rely on their awareness,
attitude and behavior towards fertility, family size, children
and when to have them.
"By equipping the young people with proper knowledge
on population, reproductive health, we help them make the
best decision for their own lives, their (future) families
and the environment they live in,” Dr. Huque explained.
He also stressed that population growth and environment degradation
are related. Studies show that high population growth put
pressure on the environment to meet the need for clean water,
housings and agriculture for food supplies. To date, the impact
of human activities has already affected the environment and
1/3 world population are already having difficulties to obtain
clean water.
At a smaller scope, environmental issues in the capital are
also alarming and mostly stem from lack of awareness and ignorance.
Everyday Jakartans produce around 6,000 tons of garbage; some
2.5 million cars and 4 million motorcycles that roam the streets
contribute 70% of the pollution in the world’s most
polluted cities.
"Healthy, productive and empowered youth could act as
advocators to introduce constructive changes and mobilize
greater supports for causes, including environmental protection
and relief efforts when disasters strike,” Dr. Huque
said.
For further information please contact:
Maria Endah Hulupi
UNFPA Communications Officer: 0812 1115 116
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