INDONESIAN ADOLESCENT SEXUALITY AND ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS - Unika Repository

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INDONESIAN ADOLESCENT SEXUALITY
AND ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS
exploratory studies

A. RACHMAD DJATI WINARNO

Indonesian adolescent sexuality and
romantic relationships: Exploratory studies

Een wetenschappelijke proeve op het gebied van de

Sociale Wetenschappen

Proefschrift
ter verkrijging van de graad van doctor
aan de Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen
op gezag van de rector magnificus prof. mr. S.C.J.J. Kortmann,
volgens besluit van het College van Decanen
in het openbaar te verdedigen op maandag 29 oktober 2007
om 13.30 uur precies
door

A. Rachmad Djati Winamo
geboren op 7 augustus 1961
te Wonogiri (Indonesia)

Promotores:
prof. dr. P. G. Heymans, Universiteit Utrecht
prof. dr. F. J. Monks

Manuscriptcommissie:

prof. dr. Th. C. M. Bergen, voorzitter
prof. dr. J.J.L. Derksen
dr. Bagus Wismanto, Soegijapranata Catholic University, Semarang, Indonesia

INDONESIAN  ADOLESCENT SEXUALITY 
AND  ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS: 
Exploratory Studies 

TABLE  OF CONTENTS 
Parti 
Chapter  1  SEXUALITY  AND ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS  OF 
INDONESIAN ADOLESCENTS 
1.  Rationale 
2.  Design of  the Study 
3.  Structure of Dissertation 
4.  References 








Partii 
Chapter 2  THE DESIGN OF THE INDONESIAN ADOLESCENT 
SEXUAL  HEALTH RESEARCH  PROJECT 
1.  Introduction 
2.  Identification  of Variables and Detailing Research 
Questions 
3.  The Pilot Study 
4.  Study  I: Large-scale  Survey 
4.1. Participants 
4.2.  Sampling 
4.3. Instruments 
4.4.  Procedure of Data Collection 
5.  Study  Π: A Closer Look at Adolescent Intimate 
Relationships: The Pacaran  Study 
5.1. Instrument 
5.2.  Data Collection 
6.  Analyses and Reporting 

7.  References 


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Partin 
Chapter 3  THE SEXUAL  SITUATIONS OF CENTRAL JAVA 
ADOLESCENTS 

1.  Introduction 
2.  Method 
2.1. Participants 
2.2.  Questionnaires 
3.  Results 
3.1. Adolescent  intimate experiences  -  in-school students 
and other parties 
3.2.  Out-school student reports 
3.3.  Knowledge  about sexual matters 
3.4.  Problems with  Sexual  Development 

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4. Summary and Discussion
4.1. Romantic relationships among adolescents from
several points of view
4.2. Blended knowledge and beliefs
4.3. Psychosexual development in senior highs schools: A
relevant issue
4.4. Demographic conditions do matter
4.5. Same-sex attraction
4.6. Strengths and weaknesses of this study
5. References
Chapter 4 PACARAN: INDONESIAN ADOLESCENTS IN LOVE
1. Introduction
2. Method
2.1. Participants
2.2. Procedure
2.3. Measures

2.4. Analyses
3. Results
3.1. The characteristics of pacaran couples
3.2. If there is no sexual attraction in the world...
3.3. Definitions and purposes of pacaran
3.4. The practice of pacaran
3.5. Emotional consequences of sexual behaviours
3.6. Course of relationships
3.7. Feelings and predictions about pacaran
4. Discussion
4.1. Pacaran in Indonesia: is it specific?
4.2. Dating activities as intimacy
rituals
4.3. Relationship experiences and expectations about its
future
4.4. Strengths and weaknesses of this study
5. References
Chapter 5 PERSONAL RESOURCES IN ADOLESCENT SEXUALITY
AND INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
1. Introduction

2. Method
2.2. Participants
2.3. Procedure
2.4. Analyses
3. Results
3.1. Results of the coping study
3.2. Results of the self-efficacy study
3.3. Results concerning self-concept
3.4. Correlations among personal resources
4. Summary and discussion
4.1. Shared socio-demographic effects
4.2. The roles of religiosity for Central Java adolescents

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4.3. Correlations between  specific personal  resources 

4.4. Methodological  note 
5.  References 
Chapter 6  SEXUAL  SITUATIONS AND PERSONAL RESOURCES 
OF CENTRAL JAVA  ADOLESCENTS 
1.  Introduction 
1.1.  A brief overview 
1.2.  A review of related  literature 
2.  Method 
2.1. Participants, variables, and measurements 
2.2. Analyses 
3.  Results 
3.1. Correlates of psychosexual  problems 
3.2.  Correlates of adolescent romantic experience 
3.3. Predictors of adolescent  involvement  in dyadic sexual 
behaviours 
4.  Summary and discussion 
4.1. Comparability  of findings from  in-school and outschool data collection 
4.2.  Gender differences 
4.3. Minimum contribution of knowledge 
4.4. Methodological  notes: strengths  and weaknesses 
5.  References 
Chapter 7  PROVIDING  INFORMATION ABOUT SEXUALITY  AND 
RELATIONSHIPS 
1.  Introduction 
2.  Method 
2.1. Participants 
2.2.  Measurements 
3.  Results 
3.1. Preferred  sources  of  information  about sexual matters 
3.2.  Characteristics of information  sources  and information 
exchange  process 
3.3. Contents of  information  and training related  to sexual 
development 
3.4.  Contents of  information  and training related to 
interpersonal  development 
3.5.  Sexuality  education at Senior High School 
4.  Discussion 
4.1. Adolescents'  preferences  form  several points of view 
4.2.  Integrated contents related to adolescent  sexuality and 
interpersonal  relationships 
4.3. Notes for  future  research 
5.  References 

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ν 

Part IV
Chapter 8 IMPLICATIONS OF EMPIRICAL FINDINGS FOR
SEXUALITY EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN CENTRAL
JAVA

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Summary
Samenvatting
Acknowledgments
Curriculum Vitae

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Indonesian Adolescent Sexuality and Romantic Relationships:
Exploratory Studies

Chapter 1 :
SEXUALITY AND ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS OF INDONESIAN
ADOLESCENTS
Exploratory Studies Contributing to Reproductive Health Education in Central
Java

Adolescent Sexuality - Chapter 1

1

2

Adolescent Sexuality - Chapter 1

Chapter 1
SEXUALITY AND ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS OF INDONESIAN
ADOLESCENTS
Exploratory Studies Contributing to Reproductive Health Education in Central Java
Rationale
Kêlek, kêlek, biyung sira aneng êndi
Enggal tulungana
Awakku kêcêmplung warih
Gulagêpan wus mehpêjah
(Maskumambang, NN)

Chiap, chiap, where are you, mom,
Help me, hurry up!
I am plunged into water
Bulp, bulp, I'm dying

This quote is from a Javanese traditional song, Maskumambang which is a type of
Macapat. It describes a small chicken crying and calling her mother to come and help her.
The chicken is plunged into water and, because she can not swim, is almost dying.
This song, in my opinion, illustrates the situation of young people, especially in
Indonesia, when they are involved in unwanted pregnancy as a result of premarital sex. Most
of adolescent pregnancy in Indonesia happens in a romantic relationship context. The
situation is much worse for the girl involved. She often has to bear all the burdens alone:
psychological problems, physical burdens, and many other socio-economical burdens.
Moreover, if she is a high school student or at a lower level of education, she is expelled
from school. She has to stay at home, sometimes is married without any preparation, has
(very) limited access to education, and an unpromising future. She is, like a small chicken in
the water, in a situation that "traps" her. She can do little else except survive and seek help to
get out of the entrapping situation.
Adolescent pregnancy is one of several problems related to adolescent reproductive
health. Some problems in the area of reproductive health in Indonesia are unwanted
pregnancy, unsafe abortion, and sexually transmitted infections (STI), including HFV
(Kilboume-Brook, 2000). However, well documented data on adolescent reproductive
health, especially in Indonesia, are scarce. In analysing the availability and quality of data on
reproductive health in Indonesia, Utomo (2001) found that not much data on reproductive
health was available and the available data lacked quality. Utomo's review also did not
mention data concerning adolescent reproductive or sexual health. Although there are no
official data, adolescent pregnancy and unsafe abortion in Indonesia is apparently increasing.
The General Director of Public Health, Department of Social Welfare and Health has stated
that there are about 2.3 million abortion cases among adolescents in Indonesia (Kompas
Cyber Media, 2001). According to Indonesian Reproductive Health Profile 2003 (Ministry
Of Health, 2003) there are many young woman who have children before they reach the age
of 20 years. The Profile also mentions that unsafe abortion is a major cause of maternal
death for 15-19 year old women.
Adolescent reproductive health problems are associated, although not exclusively,
with sexual behaviours. Sexual behaviour itself consists of two main aspects, i.e. sexuality
and relationships with others. Sexuality in the form of biological development has to be dealt
with by adolescents starting with puberty. At the same time, adolescents are experiencing
changes in their relationships with others (e.g. Steinberg, 2002). Interpersonal development
moves from friendships to dating relationships (e.g. Zimmer-Gembeck, Siebenbruner, &
Collins, 2001). Adolescents may have same-sex friends only, may have both same- and
opposite-sex friends but no dating relationships, or may be involved in casual and short-term
Adolescent Sexuality - Chapter 1

3

dating relationships casually or in long-term dating or intimate relationships. When involved
in intimate relationships, young people have to learn strategies for starting and maintaining
these relationships (Jackson, Jacob, Landman-Peeters, & Lanting, 2001; Nieder & SeiffgeKrenke, 2001). Different coping strategies may be used to deal with different problematic
situations in the relationships. In some cases difficulties occur in maintaining existing
friendships while involved in a new romantic relationship (Roth & Parker, 2001). Weisfeld
and Woodward (2004) pointed out that there are many problematic and difficult situations
related to romantic relationships among adolescents. Using animal behaviours as an analogy,
they identified problems related to competitiveness, mate selection, pair bonding,
promiscuity and premarital pregnancy.
In their effort to understand their own development, adolescents may learn sexuality
by themselves, often discreetly, exchanging information and sharing experiences with their
friends. They may seek answers to questions from (perceived) competent figures, or from
anonymous sources (magazines, newspapers, and audio visual media). While young people
leam about sexuality and interpersonal relationships from various sources, they do have
some preferences (Hatmadji & Rochani, 1995; Wellings & Field, 1996). Adolescents mostly
prefer to find or exchange information about sexuality with their friends, who are likely to
possess a similar (low) level of knowledge about sexuality. Older figures are not the main
preference because they are usually judgmental about adolescent behaviours (Adioetomo, et
al., 1999). Some local and national mass media in Indonesia provide facilities for adolescent
consultation, with capable consultants, and sometimes in cooperation with institutions
working in reproductive health area.
Adolescent sexuality has been a focus of attention for many years in Indonesia.
Research and intervention programs have been carried out in many institutions. However,
their impact on adolescent health has not been as intended. Hatmadji and Rochani (1995)
found out that adolescent knowledge about reproductive processes and HIV is inadequate.
Adioetomo et al. (1999) reported that parents did not prepare their children for reproductive
health issues of adolescence because the parents themselves lacked reproductive health
knowledge and were inhibited by various taboos, while teachers admitted that students
nowadays are not as "polite and sincere" as they used to be. Similar to a finding of
Adioetomo and colleagues (1999), Beni (2005) also found that the family, especially the
parents, is a barrier to effective HIV/AIDS prevention programs in Indonesia. The barriers
include cultural constraints, lack of knowledge and awareness about the problem, and lack of
support and encouragement from related institutions, including government. According to
Djaja, Surjadi, and Susilawati (2002) the main reproductive health problems among
Indonesian adolescents are lack of information about adolescent reproductive health,
behaviours, health services, and regulations. The main problems include controversies over
sex education, risky sexual behaviours, unwanted pregnancy, and schooling for pregnant
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