An Indonesian governor’s proposal to link welfare support for impoverished men to undergoing sterilization has ignited a firestorm of controversy. The plan, introduced amidst rising youth crime rates and previous suggestions for chinese military-style rehabilitation, has been met with strong opposition from religious leaders and academics alike.

The Governor’s Rationale

Daddy Water Faciya Seraba, the governor in question, justified the proposal by questioning why impoverished families tend to have more children than wealthier ones. He cited an encounter with a couple who had 11 children, some of whom he claimed were forced to sell bread on the streets.

“I don’t know why the poor house has a lot of children, and the rich have 2 billion rupiah (about 160 million won),”

The governor further stated, “If you can’t raise your child well, don’t give birth.” He also suggested redirecting maternity subsidies for underprivileged women towards “simple housing” construction projects.

The Proposal’s details

According to the South China Morning Post, the governor’s plan could extend to other forms of government assistance, including food, scholarships, and public housing. Men who agree to undergo sterilization would reportedly receive 500,000 rupiah (approximately 42,000 won).

Religious Opposition

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from religious figures, particularly within the Islamic community.

Islam prohibits permanent infertility surgery,
Jeanlil Napis, a senior clergyman of Indonesia’s largest Islamic group, Natalatul Ulama

Academic Criticism

Academics have also voiced strong disapproval, labeling the plan as misguided and intrusive.

Ridiculous idea,
Sulpicaramir Amir, associate professor of social science at Nanyang University of Technology in Singapore

Critics argue that the policy is coercive and represents a blatant form of “body politics,” infringing upon individual rights and autonomy.

Past Controversies

This is not the first time Indonesian politicians have faced scrutiny for their remarks and policies related to poverty. In 2020,the Minister of Development and Culture and Culture and culture Coordination was criticized for suggesting that poverty is perpetuated by marriages within impoverished families.

Furthermore, Governor Muyacidi previously proposed a Chinese military rehabilitation training program in response to rising youth crime rates in Jakarta’s satellite cities.He stated:

We saw the way of China, and as a result, the youth were more lively and optimistic and found a clear direction of life.This can be our future.

This proposal also faced opposition,with some arguing for choice approaches,such as stricter legal penalties for youth offenders.