Fertility trends in Indonesia, 1967-1985

Fertility trends in Indonesia for the period 1967-1985 are analyzed. Data are from the Indonesian censuses of 1971 and 1980 and from the 1985 Intercensal Survey (SUPAS 85); they concern fertility rates by province, marital status, and for the general population. An overview of the sociocultural factors that affect data reliability and a discussion of the effectiveness of the date of last birth method are included. The authors conclude that the evidence "has confirmed the existence of a major fertility decline throughout Indonesia. The pace of the decline has been faster in 1980-85 than during the 70s. On present trends, it should be possible to reach the ambitious target of halving fertility between 1979 and 1990."