The early years

Indonesia has made considerable progress in reducing the rate of infant mortality in recent years; between 1991 and 2009, the number of deaths amongst children under the age of one fell from 68 to 34 for every 1,000 live births. Under-five mortality rates have also fallen - from 79 deaths for every 1,000 live births in 1991 to 44 in 2009.

There remain serious challenges to infant and young children's health. Stunting – being below average height for one’s age – affects 37 per cent of children under five while 18 per cent of children below the age of five are underweight.