The world’s population, 2.5 billion in 1950, rose to 6.1
billion in 2000 and may increase to 8.9 to 10.6 billion
by the year 2050 (UNDP). For developing countries,
increasing population has put constraints on limited
resources. Many countries have adopted population
control programs. Indonesia – the fourth most populated
country in the world after China, India and the United
States – adopted a program in 1970. Among developing
countries, Indonesia’s population control program is
considered to be one of the most successful, having
contributed to bringing down the total fertility rate from
nearly 6 when the program began in 1970 to 2.59 in
1999 (BPS). This achievement is even more remarkable
when we consider the fact that almost ninety percent
of the population is Muslim. Even societies that have
experienced much greater socioeconomic transformation
than Indonesia have not had such significant fertilityrelated
change (Shiffman, 2002).
India, though a pioneer among developing countries
in adopting a population control policy, has not been as
successful in controlling its population growth. While
many demographers consider the Indian program to be a
success, the fact remains that the country is still struggling
with a total fertility rate far above the replacement level
of 2.1.
Indonesia and India differ on many dimensions,
including political structure. However, two of the most
important aspects of the Indonesian program - developing
social acceptance for the program and creating strong
government-society links that enable active involvement
and participation of the community - can be adopted by
India and other countries to enhance the effectiveness of