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Indonesia's youngsters turn to internet for answers on sex, reproductive health
In the absence of formal sex education at schools and homes, the digital-savvy generation has turned to the internet and social media to learn about sex and reproduction their way.
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Sensitive issue: The majority of young people in Indonesia have little understanding of reproductive health issues. (Courtesy of Kisara Bali/-)
I
n predominantly Muslim Indonesia, it is easier for young people to buy cigarettes than to get access to sexual and reproductive health education in schools.
In the absence of formal sex education at schools and homes, the digital-savvy generation has turned to the internet and social media to learn about sex and reproduction their way.
Many of them have even stepped up their efforts by doing their own research and sharing their findings through social media.
Dite Sandhi is now 25 years old and working in Yogyakarta. And like most Indonesians, she has never had access to sexual education in formal educational institutions. When Dite found out about Sisil, a YouTuber who discusses sexual and reproductive health, she was doubtful about the channel at first but surprisingly found it helpful and informative.
“I’ve watched several of her videos. I was quite surprised because, before this, I did not know that women should pay extra attention to their vaginal area, to keep it clean and healthy to prevent yeast infections and other infections or diseases. I learned how to do this from Sisil, she makes it easy to understand,” she said.
Dite added that although she knew that sexual education was important, she was too shy to ask others for advice.
