Mariana Yunita Hendriyani Opat, affectionately known as Tata Yunita, is a remarkable woman from Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) who has dedicated her life to advocating for sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) for children and adolescents. Her unwavering commitment to breaking down taboos surrounding this crucial topic has earned her recognition on a national stage, including the prestigious SATU Indonesia Awards in 2020.
The Urgency of SRHR Education in NTT
The issue of sexual harassment is a pervasive problem in Indonesia, with many victims afraid to speak out due to a lack of knowledge about what constitutes harassment and how to address it. This silence stems from a deeply ingrained societal taboo surrounding sexual education, often viewed as inappropriate or even shameful. However, providing accurate and comprehensive SRHR education is essential for dismantling negative stigmas and fostering a more open and inclusive environment.
Tata’s journey began in 2016 when she witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of limited SRHR access for young people in NTT. The lack of comprehensive information and education left them vulnerable to various risks, including unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and sexual violence. This realization ignited a fire within her, prompting her to take action.
From Concern to Action: The Birth of Tenggara Youth Community
Driven by personal experience and a deep sense of responsibility, Tata co-founded the ‘Tenggara Youth Community’ with a fellow advocate. This community became a safe haven for young people seeking support, understanding, and access to crucial information about SRHR.
While not all members of the community had backgrounds in healthcare, they were united by shared experiences of pain and a desire to help others. Many had faced sexual harassment as children or struggled to discuss menstruation with their mothers, fueling their passion for creating a space where open dialogue and support were paramount.
The community’s mission was clear: to provide young people in NTT with access to comprehensive SRHR information and resources. They recognized the challenges faced by adolescents, ranging from sexual harassment and dating violence to more complex issues like illegal abortion, unplanned pregnancies, and the threat of private content dissemination.
“Bacarita Kespro”: Storytelling for Empowerment
One of the Tenggara Youth Community’s flagship programs is “Bacarita Kespro,” a name derived from the Kupang Malay language meaning “to tell a story.” This program embodies a novel approach to SRHR education, emphasizing interactive dialogue and personal connection.
Tata recognized that traditional lectures were insufficient to reach young minds and hearts. She and her team designed engaging and personalized educational methods, prioritizing dialogue and interaction to ensure that SRHR knowledge was not only received but also understood and internalized.
They incorporated fun and engaging methods, such as board games and puppet shows, to make the material accessible and relatable to children. However, their journey wasn’t without obstacles.
Overcoming Stigma and Building Trust
Initial resistance from parents posed a significant challenge. The deeply ingrained stigma surrounding sexual health led to fears that children would be exposed to pornography or encouraged to engage in promiscuous behavior.
Tata acknowledged these concerns but emphasized the program’s strict adherence to age-appropriate guidelines, ensuring that the information provided was safe and targeted. She stressed the importance of open and healthy communication between parents and children about SRHR, recognizing the crucial role parents play in guiding their children’s understanding of these sensitive issues.
National Recognition and Future Aspirations
The unwavering dedication of Tata and her team at the Tenggara Youth Community has garnered national recognition. Tata’s work in promoting responsible adolescent reproductive health and fulfilling SRHR rights earned her a prestigious award in the health category at the Satu Indonesia Awards.
This national recognition brought immense pride to Tata and her team, opening doors to spread their message of positive change across Indonesia. However, the award also served as a reminder that their fight is far from over. Challenges remain, and their commitment to advocating for the sexual and reproductive health of children and adolescents in Indonesia burns brighter than ever.
Tata recognizes that adequate SRHR facilities must be accompanied by child and adolescent-friendly counseling services. She observes that sexual violence remains a serious problem in Indonesia, prompting a critical examination of SRHR within the context of national citizenship.
For Tata, a deep understanding of SRHR extends beyond knowledge to encompass values and attitudes. She believes that comprehensive sexual education can shape individuals who value human rights, including sexual and reproductive rights. This, in turn, can prevent sexual violence by fostering a society that is more sensitive to the rights of others and cultivates a culture of mutual respect.
While the Tenggara Youth Community has yet to collaborate with local government, they have received support from several non-governmental organizations. Tata acknowledges that healthcare services in her region are relatively good, but a 2017 survey revealed that only 5% of adolescents accessed SRHR services at healthcare facilities. This stark reality underscores the ongoing need for improved accessibility and awareness.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Tata’s story is a testament to the power of one person’s unwavering commitment to change. Her dedication to breaking down taboos surrounding SRHR in NTT has not only empowered young people but also inspired countless others to join the fight for a more equitable and just society.
Her work serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even in the face of deeply ingrained societal norms, individuals can make a profound difference by challenging the status quo and advocating for the rights of the most vulnerable.
As Tata and her team continue their tireless efforts, their impact will undoubtedly extend far beyond NTT, leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment and positive change for generations to come.
