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, 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.

BIRTH RATE
The crude birth rate is targeted to be reduced from 24.5 per 1000 population in 1993 to 22.6 per 1000 people in 1998. At this rate, the total population is estimated to increase from 189.1 million people in 1993 to 204.4 million people in 1998. Until February 1997, the total population was approximately 200 million. In the meantime, the fertility rate also declined from 4.6 per 1,000 women of childbearing age in 1980 to 3.3 in 1990.The total fertility rate is expected to drop from 2.87 in 1993 into 2.60 per woman in 1998.

Several factors including a rising living standard, higher educational level and improved health services, contributed to the birth rate decline. But the greatest proportion is attributable to the increasing number of people participating in family planning, especially the new eligible couples. Moreover, contraception has become more widespread and effective, making it easier to plan families; and sterilization of men and women has also become more common.

MORTALITY RATE
Life expectancy for 1988 was 63 years, and for 1997 was estimated at 64 years. In 1998 the life expectancy is estimated to increase to 64.6 years.

The crude death rate in 1988 was 7.9 per 1,000 people against 11.7 per 1,000 in 1983. Furthermore, the crude death rate had decreased about 45.1% for the period of 1971-1990, and is expected to decrease from 7.9 in 1993 to 75. per 1,000 people in 1998. Meanwhile the infant mortality rate declined from 90.3 per 1,000 live birth in 1983 to 58.0 in 1988 and is expected to decrease to 50 per 1,000 live birth in 1998. Causes for the decline in the mortality rate include better nutrition, a rising standard of living, advances in medical science, growth of medical facilities, improved health measures, better working conditions, education in personal hygiene, and small nuclear families.

THE NATIONALITY ACT
Indonesian nationality is governed by Act No. 62 of 1958. It defines an Indonesian national as a person who, since the beginning of independence on August 17, 1945, qualifies for citizenship under the existing laws.

Further, a person whose mother is an Indonesian national, but whose father's nationality is unknown or whose father is stateless, shall qualify for Indonesian citizenship. Also, a person who was born in Indonesia from unknown parents, or an orphan whose parents are unknown, or a person born in Indonesia who does not inherit any nationality from his/her parents, shall qualify for Indonesian citizenship.

A five year old child, who is adopted by foster parents of Indonesian nationality, shall qualify for Indonesian nationality if the foster parents apply to a court to legitimize the adoption within one year and request is granted.

A child born from a legitimate marriage of an Indonesian mother and an alien father shall, in the event a divorce is granted by the court, qualify for Indonesian nationality if he/she so decides.

A child born from a legitimate or illegitimate marriage between an alien father and an Indonesian mother is entitled to become an Indonesian national if he/she applies to the Minister of Justice, having abandoned his/her alien nationality according to the law of the foreign country or in accordance with an agreement concluded between Indonesia and a foreign country. In such case a child shall submit the application within a year after reaching the age of 18.