Needs and risks facing the Indonesian youth population

Youth are the leaders of tomorrow, but right now they face a formidable collection of problems that will determine the quality of their future lives and the lives of us all. Education, jobs, substance abuse, violence, sexuality, and marriage are examples of adolescent issues that demand special attention from researchers, youth activists and advocates, parents, and policymakers. In attempting to address these complex issues, we must be willing to confront ignorance, controversy, and cultural obstacles. Clear and focused policy and strategies must play a basic role in tackling these issues facing Indonesian adolescents. This paper provides a concise situation analysis of youth in Indonesia, focusing mainly on issues of sexuality and reproductive health, and describes current and future planned efforts by various governmental departments to deal with these issues. The paper also includes a set of recommendations for the priorities and focus of future initiatives to effectively reduce the risks faced by youth and to increase their chances of becoming educated, productive, healthy, and fulfilled members of society.