The number of Indonesian adolescents practicing sex before marriage is
relatively low compared to the rate in other countries (less than 6.5%). However, this
issue should be given attention because the rate increased from 5% to 6.4% between
2002 and 2007. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to analyze factors influencing
premarital sexual intercourse among in-school late adolescents in Indonesia. This
study uses secondary data from the research of the Indonesian Young Adult
Reproductive Health Survey (IYARHS) 2007. The study population of 6,792 in-school
late adolescents aged 15-19 years was selected from a total of 19,311 unmarried
Indonesian young adults that were interviewed.
The findings illustrate that 2.4% of the in-school late adolescents have
engaged in premarital sexual intercourse. Evidence indicated that sex, age, place of
residence, knowledge of sexual reproductive health (SRH), knowledge of
contraceptive methods, source of SRH information, attitude towards acceptance of
premarital sexual intercourse, relationship status defined by having a boyfriend or
girlfriend, risky consumption behaviors, and peer influences have a significant
association with in-school adolescents that have experienced premarital sexual
intercourse.
This study suggests that strengthening SRH education programs in every
sector in the community for adolescents should be scaled up to increase their
knowledge and make them less curious about practicing premarital sexual intercourse.