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The present study has identified some policy and research implications regarding the MDG 5 indicators and has made appropriate recommendations. The recommendations directed to the indicator of Skilled Birth Attendants goes beyond merely looking at the achievement of urban-rural areas in meeting this target. Proposing a more equal opportunity for women to access SBAs regardless of where they live is considered to be critical in decreasing the MMR in Indonesia. This attempt can be realized by strengthening the health care system and removing possible barriers that prevent women from accessing maternity services. For having a further decline in fertility, family planning efforts must be prioritized. It is worth to mention that these two broad strategies need to be coupled with other suitable socio-economic developments if maternal mortality in Indonesia is to be substantially reduced.
About the author
Born in the city of Jakarta, Irma Ardiana, MD, Master of Applied Population Studies, has a full dedication on her works to the issue on maternal health. She works in National Population and Family Planning Board since 2005.
