The Number of Childfree Women in Indonesia is Increasing

The Indonesian National Socioeconomic Survey (Susenas) conducted by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows an increasing percentage of Indonesian women aged 15-49 choosing to be childfree.

BPS defines "childfree" as individuals or couples who choose not to have children, either biologically or through adoption.

In 2022, 8.2%, or approximately 71,000, women of reproductive age in Indonesia chose to be childfree. This is the highest figure in the last four years.

This means that 1 out of 1,000 Indonesian women aged 15-49 who have been married, have not had children, and are not using contraception, choose to be childfree.

The trend shows that the percentage of women choosing to be childfree in Indonesia decreased from 7% in 2019 to 6.3% in 2020. It then rose to 6.5% in 2021 and reached its highest level in 2022.

"The work-from-home policy seems to significantly influence the decision to have children," wrote BPS in a report titled "Tracing the Childfree Footprint in Indonesia."

BPS states that economic factors are a key determinant in the decision not to have children. Childfree women who work are generally employed in the trade sector.

"The good news is that more than 80% of childfree women already own their homes amidst rising property prices," wrote BPS.