Jakarta, Oct. 23 -- Indonesia's Ministry of Population and Family Development has increased funding for the Family Planning (KB) Program by Rp330 billion (US$19.2 million) to expand contraceptive access in remote regions, Minister Wihaji said on Thursday.

Wihaji emphasized that family planning is a strategic tool for poverty reduction and national development, not merely a health initiative.

"Birth control is part of economic and social development. Contraception is not just about pregnancy but about rights and the future. Those who wish to maintain birth spacing should have easy access," he said.

He noted that investing in contraception would save the state significant costs from maternal and child mortality and stunting.

"Every penn...