This figure is notably higher than those of other Southeast Asian countries, such as Singapore with seven deaths, Thailand with 29, and Vietnam with 46 per 100,000 births.

“Indonesia must do better to reduce maternal mortality rates. Who plays the most significant role? We know that 50% of deliveries in Indonesia are handled by midwives,” said Sandeep Nanwani, UNFPA Indonesia’s sexual and reproductive health programme specialist, on Tuesday.

To address this issue, UNFPA recommends three evidence-based approaches: reducing the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women, early detection of postpartum hemorrhage, and prompt management of postpartum bleeding.

Sandeep emphasised the critical role midwives play in implementing these measures, stressing the importance of continuously improving their competencies to effectively prevent anemia and detect bleeding early.