Indonesia is a land of vivid contrasts. Gleaming urban skyscrapes tower above tiny roadside kiosks selling ancient herbal remedies thatch-roofed village houses sport a television in the family room and a team of oxen tethered in the yard.

 

The population policy is directed toward development of the population as human resources in order that the national development can be effective and valuable, while the quality of life is gradually improving. Meanwhile, the control of population growth is carried out through efforts to lower the birth and mortality rate, especially that of infants and children. These efforts in particular have been implemented through family planning programs which also have the purpose of improving the welfare of mother and child and at the same time create a small, happy, and prosperous family.

 

Like in many countries, particularly those in the developing world, the city is always the major attraction for the rural population. This is especially true where the land no longer offers an effective means to learn a living. Indonesia is no exception. Over the years, particularly after World War II, cities have grown rapidly in population, so much so that municipal governments have not been very successful in coping with the impact of urbanization. Prevalent are the pressing needs for employment, housing, transportation and other social requirements.