Mayor of Pontianak, Edi Rusdi Kamtono, emphasized the vital role of the midwifery profession as the front line in maintaining maternal and child health. This statement was made during the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Indonesian Midwives Association (IBI), held at the West Kalimantan Province Bank Indonesia Representative Building on Sunday (7/5/2026).
In his remarks, Edi highlighted the high birth rate in Pontianak City, which reached 11,667 people throughout 2025. According to him, these data demand the readiness of medical staff to provide more responsive and high-quality services to ensure the growth and development of the nation's next generation.
"This high birth rate is a shared responsibility. We must be able to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates through improving the quality of health services as well as providing intensive mentoring during pregnancy through the First 1,000 Days of Life period," Edi stated.
Furthermore, Edi emphasized that cross-sectoral collaboration between the government and professional organizations is crucial. The city government is committed to supporting central government programs targeting vulnerable groups, but their effectiveness relies heavily on data accuracy and the dedication of midwives in the field.
Echoing this sentiment, the Chair of the Pontianak Branch of IBI, Sri Mulyanti, stated that her organization remains committed to enhancing the competence of its members. Several strategic steps have been taken, including fostering the standardization of Independent Midwife Practices (TPMB) and collaborating with the Population and Civil Registration Office to accelerate population administration for newborns.
For IBI, the midwifery profession is not merely a technical medical job, but a humanitarian calling to accompany the community in every phase of life. Through the momentum of its 75th anniversary, IBI Pontianak promises to continue strengthening its role in nurturing a healthy and intelligent generation toward Golden Indonesia 2045.
