Balinese Teens Take on the Birds and the Bees

(11/13/2010)

Kompas.com estimates that 50% of male Balinese teenagers engage in sex with prostitutes or engage in "free sex" practices with multiple partners. "From the research, around one-half of teenage boys in our province engage in high risk sexual contacts, using commercial sex workers as their dates," according to Professor Dr. Mangku Karmaya, the chairman of the Association of Family Planning (PKBI) of Bali.

At a seminar introducing the work of PKBI, Karmaya expressed dismay at the liberal sexual practice of Balinese youth. As a result, PKBI is dedicated to providing information on sexual practice and reproductive health to Bali's younger generation.

Part of this educational approach includes a program called "The Call of the Teenagers World (Dunia Remajaku Seru-Daku)." This extracurricular program utilizes a 14-part interactive computer program on sex education and safe sex practice. Course materials is presented in two formats, via instructors chosen by the students and in material specially designed for use by educators who facilitate the program.

By using teachers nominated by the students, Karmaya said the students enjoy a more relaxed level of communication in studying the course material.

The vice-regent of Gianyar, Dewa Made Sutanaya, has publicly applauded the PKBI educational program in Bali. He pointed to the establishment of youth groups in Gianyar dedicated to fighting HIV/AIDS and drug abuse as among the youth-based movements enjoying the enthusiastic support of the regency.