ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – A woman in Indonesia dies every hour from complications during pregnancy, birth, and post-delivery. Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is relatively high in Indonesia, with 189 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births (Population Census, 2020), while 91% live births were assisted by skilled providers (Indonesian Health Survey, 2023).
Maternal mortality remains a significant development issue, despite a notable increase in the number of registered midwives, reaching over 344,000 in 2023.
Launched today, November 28, 2025 in Jakarta, the IMPACT project, a partnership between the Governments of Indonesia and Canada and UNFPA, seeks to address maternal mortality with comprehensive, results-based intervention to strengthen midwifery services across Indonesia.
Hassan Mohtashami, UNFPA Representative in Indonesia, underscored the importance of the situation.
“No woman should ever die while giving life. Even one maternal death is too many. We need high quality delivery care, emergency obstetric care, and family planning services, in order to reduce maternal mortality” he said.
“By strengthening the skills and professional standing of midwives, we are investing directly in the health and future of Indonesian families.”
This three-year initiative is designed to address the pressing need for enhanced midwifery services, recognizing that midwives serve as the foundational pillar of maternal healthcare in Indonesia, particularly within underserved rural and remote communities.
The project aims to empower these frontline healthcare providers through strategic investments in their capacity and professionalism, ultimately contributing to a substantial reduction in maternal mortality.
Adopting innovative teaching methodologies and integrating technology into midwifery education programs, the IMPACT project will facilitate knowledge exchange between Canadian and Indonesian midwifery experts.
By drawing upon Canada’s experience in establishing midwifery as an autonomous and empowered profession, the project will benchmark women-centered models of care for potential adaptation and implementation within Indonesia.
This collaborative approach is designed to foster valuable learning and contribute to the development of a more robust and responsive midwifery workforce in Indonesia.
“Canada is proud to partner with UNFPA and the Government of Indonesia on this critical project. Leveraging Canadian expertise, including from McMaster University, we are committed to knowledge exchange that will help establish a robust, autonomous, and women-centered midwifery profession, ensuring high-quality care for all,” Juan-Pablo Valdes, Chargé d’Affaires at the Canadian Embassy to Indonesia and Timor Leste, commented on the partnership.
The ultimate vision of this project is a future where every mother in Indonesia receives skilled and compassionate midwifery care, leading to healthier mothers, healthier babies, and a brighter future for all.
Dr. Yuli Farianti, the Director General of Health Workforce of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia stated: “The IMPACT project is perfectly aligned with our national Health Transformation agenda, which prioritizes the strengthening of primary healthcare and human resources. Midwives are the bedrock of maternal and newborn health services, especially in our most remote areas. This partnership with Canada and UNFPA will equip our midwives with the international-standard education and regulatory support needed to perform their life-saving work. Our ultimate vision is a future where every mother in Indonesia receives skilled and compassionate midwifery care, leading to healthier communities and a stronger nation.” (AT Network)
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