The correlation between an uncontrolled birth growth and poverty was identified in the 18th century when economist and demographer Thomas Robert Malthus introduced his seminal population theory.



Population growth, Malthus said, will always tend to outrun the food supply, and the betterment of humankind is impossible without stern limits on reproduction. At the time, Malthus’ interpretation of the danger of overpopulation was deemed controversial, not just among religious leaders, but also among fellow scientists.



The controversy has still not abated, including in Indonesia, despite its internationally acclaimed success in curbing population growth. That the government has been stretched to breaking point to promote the family planning program shows not everyone is happy about birth control.



The controversy reportedly set off a political see-saw that eventually resu...