West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi’s proposal to mandate vasectomies for men seeking welfare benefits like food aid and housing has ignited controversy in Indonesia. Criticized as coercive, the plan was condemned by religious leaders, with the Indonesian Ulema Council stating Islam forbids permanent sterilization. Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf deemed it impractical, while scholars like Sulfikar Amir called it discriminatory, arguing poverty stems from structural inequality, not family size. Public reactions vary, with some backing the idea and others decrying it as “fascist.” The debate coincides with World Bank data revealing 60.3% of Indonesians live below the $6.85 daily poverty threshold.

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