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ndonesia is known for holding conservative views on sex, while most of its teenagers are uncontrollably having sexual intercourse. Based on a recent statistic, 46 percent of teenagers between 15 and 19 years old in Indonesia have had sex (National Population and Family Planning Board, 2014).

Moreover, teenagers also contribute around 21 percent to Indonesia'€™s 2.4 million abortions each year (2010). These statistics imply that Indonesian teenagers are not fully equipped and informed about having safe sex.

The need for sex education to be imposed on Indonesian school curriculums has been repeatedly articulated. However, former education minister Mohamad Nuh actually rejected the idea of having sex education in schools, stating that kids would learn about sex naturally.

Many parents and teachers are also concerned with the effects of sex education itself, fearing that it will lead to free sex instead of suppressing teenagers'€™ sexuality.

Furthermore, the approach that has been taken so far revolves around enforcing the idea of abstinence only, instilling the belief that having sex equals immoral and disgusting behavior.

 Instead of suppressing their sexuality, why not let them be comfortable in their own skin and teach them what sex is all about? Inform them about the dangers of free sex, but also equip them with abundant knowledge on contraceptives and safe sex as well. Sex education should be compulsory in schools. It is our children'€™s right to know and have access to this information.

Hasianti Deamita
Jakarta