In recent years, an increasing number of couples in Indonesia have decided not to have children, marking a significant shift in perspectives on family life.
According to a survey conducted by the Indonesian Statistics Agency (BPS), the percentage of married women aged 15-49 without children rose from 7 percent in 2019 to 8.2 percent in 2022. This figure is likely to be higher if only couples using contraception are considered, as the data includes those who do not use contraceptive methods.
Choosing a childfree lifestyle in Indonesia is not easy, especially in a society where traditional family values are deeply rooted. However, data show that fertility rates in Indonesia have declined significantly over the past three decades, reflecting a major shift in societal attitudes toward family structures.
According to the World Population Prospects, Indonesia's total fertility rate (TFR) was 3.10 in 1990, meaning that the average woman had three children during her reproductive years. This trend has been steadily declining to 2.15 in recent years, representing a cumulative decline of 30.64% between 1990 and 2022.
The number of marriages has also declined significantly. In 2018, there were more than 2 million marriages, but by 2023, this number had dropped to just 1.57 million. This is consistent with the growing number of people choosing to live independently, reflecting a broader societal shift toward more individualistic lifestyles.
Childfree: A Growing Global Phenomenon
This trend in Indonesia is consistent with similar patterns observed in Western countries. In the United States, a 2021 Pew Research Center study found that 44% of childfree individuals aged 18 to 49 do not plan to have children, up from 37% in 2018.
The majority cited simply not wanting children as their primary reason, rather than factors such as health issues or lack of a partner.
In the UK and Wales, a 2020 YouGov survey found that more than half of people aged 35 to 44 who have never had children do not intend to have them. This decision is often influenced by broader concerns about global conditions.
The same Pew Research study highlighted that 9% of non-parents cited "the condition of the world" as a reason for potentially not having children, while 5% cited environmental concerns as a significant factor.
What's Driving More Indonesian Couples to Choose Childfree?
In a study titled "Childfree di Indonesia, Fenomena atau Viral Sesaat?" (Childfree in Indonesia: A Phenomenon or a Passing Trend?) published in the journal Syntax Idea, researchers Farrencia Nallanie and Fhelincia Nathanto identified several factors behind couples' decisions not to have children.
Financial factors are the main reason why many Indonesian couples opt for a childless lifestyle. The rising cost of living, coupled with rising inflation, has resulted in expenses far outpacing income. For example, in 2022, the cost of living for a family in Jakarta reached IDR 14-15 million per month, while the minimum wage was only IDR 4.65 million.
Even if both partners work, their combined salaries are often not enough to cover basic needs, let alone the high cost of children's education. Data shows that 76% of families in Indonesia are unable to provide proper education due to financial constraints.
Western cultural influences have also contributed to the trend toward childlessness. Liberal ideology, which emphasizes individual freedom without the pressure of religious or cultural expectations, has thrilled Indonesia's younger generation, especially those exposed to Western lifestyles through the media or overseas education.
Although the norm in Indonesia still leans toward the belief that "many children bring more happiness," a growing number of younger people are beginning to see a childless lifestyle as a legitimate option.
Past trauma also plays an important role. Negative experiences such as harsh parenting, domestic violence, or an unhealthy family environment often create a fear of parenthood. For many, choosing a childless life is seen as a way to break the cycle of trauma while protecting potential children from similar suffering.
Despite social and cultural pressures, more and more couples are prioritizing their mental health and personal happiness over traditional expectations.
