Training on Strategic Partnership with Muslim Religious Leaders in Family Planning, Purwokerto, 23-28 April 2018, Purwokerto – Central Java

In 2018 National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN), Ministry of State Secretariat, and UNFPA Indonesia collaborate in conducting International Training on Strategic Partnership with Muslim Religious Leaders (MRLs) in Family Planning. This training was held in Purwokerto, Central Java. Purwokerto was chosen as a place of learning due to the close cooperation between BKKBN and the boarding school, which was then strengthened by the MOU that was applied by both parties. The role of Islamic boarding schools and social institutions based on Islam in supporting the KB program in Purwokerto is very strong.

The training was implemented as planned based on the agreement during advance mission on 7-10 February and also the dry run on 26-29 March 2018. There were 25 participants from nine countries particularly from Azerbaijan (2 participants), Chad (5 participants), Nepal (5 participants), Niger (2 participants), Ghana (1 participant), Guinea (1 participant), Malaysia (2 participants), Mali (4 participants), and Sri Lanka (3 participants).

During the program, the participants had the opportunity to have a knowledge on the philosophy, policy, strategy and main activities of developing strategic partnership with Muslim Religious Leaders and Islamic Based Organizations in Indonesia. During field visit, the participants are given opportunity to observe and have discussion directly with Muslim Religious Leaders (MRLs), Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) and beneficiaries of the programs at grass root level to see the benefit and constrains faced of the programs. The field observation was implemented at fifth location consist of Islamic Hospital Purwokerto, Zamzam Islamic Boarding School, Religious Affairs Office (KUA) Activities at Sub District Baturaden, Muslimat Nahdlatul Ulama and Diponegoro Islamic Senior High School.