This morning, dozens of family planning (KB) cadres in Koto Ringin village, Mempura sub-district were waiting for the Regent Siak Alfedri, in the yard of the local village government office, each seen wearing a mask and sitting on a plastic chair at a distance.
Even though they have to comply with the Covid 19 health protocol, the closeness of these mothers with Alfedri still feels strong. When Alfedri’s car arrived in front of the office yard, these women warmly welcomed him. Yes, without shaking hands, like the days long gone.
“Wash your hands first, Sir,” said Desi Fefianti, the Head of Mempura sub-district who was also waiting.
Alfedri responded kindly and then approached the hand washing facility on the left near the entrance. After washing their hands, Alfedri invited everyone to enter. Head of the Women Empowerment Service for Child Protection for Population Control and Family Planning (DP3AP2KB) Siak Darusalim and the leader of Koto Ringin Village, Arun seemed to accompany them.
The presence of Rasidah’s husband in the middle of the KB cadres in Koto Ringin village was to open as well as become a speaker for the KB Village Development program. The man in blue batik then broke the atmosphere that seemed formal from the start. He invited the women who were his audience to have a dialogue and give rewards if they could answer the quizzes he occasionally threw.
“Women family planning cadres certainly know better than me, that family planning is not only about the 2 children program. KB is essentially a happy and prosperous world, happy in the hereafter” said Alfedri.
He explained that the family planning program is actually for a broader interest. Starting from planning when looking for a mate, pre-marriage, post-marriage, family management and arrangements and others.
“Because it is called KB, family planning. So there must be careful planning in living life in the family, so that it is regular, of quality and healthy,” he explained.
If so far the family planning program has been seen as just a means of contraception and the restriction of 2 children, that is a narrow perspective. Therefore, family planning cadres in villages must be able to become the main pioneers of community knowledge related to family planning.
“If the community understands that the family planning program is to create a happy and prosperous family, then maybe all families will become family planning participants. So in my opinion, planning is cool,” he said.
On that occasion, Alfedri talked about the prayer of the prophet Adam, then preventing stunting and implementing plans in the family. In the family planning program, the minimum distance for children is 3 years, the age of marriage for girls is 20 years and boys are 25 years old. This is called the ideal standard for creating a quality family.
“This family planning program is very important and very useful. That’s why I think I need to attend these family planning activities,” he added.
Outside of the activities, Darussalim said that Koto Ringin village was a family planning village in Mempura sub-district. This village has been a family planning village for the past 3 years, and 70 percent of families have participated in the family planning program.
“In Siak district, there are 14 villages designated as KB villages. At least 1 village in 1 sub-district, and in Mempura sub-district, Koto Ringin is selected,” he said.
He explained that his party had deliberately invited the regent to attend the event because of the cadre’s request. In addition, Alfedri is also the right person to invite so that his attention to the family planning program continues to grow.
