The Effectiveness and Perception of ICT Program Implementation in Enhancing Maternal and Newborn Survival Among Pregnant Women in Indonesian Society
In an effort to reduce maternal mortality, the Indonesian government launched the Expanding Maternal and Neonatal Survival (EMAS) program. One of its main objectives is to strengthen the referral system that can help in emergency situation and healthcare during pregnancy by using information and communication technology (ICT). It is implemented through such sub-programs as SIJARIEMAS, SIGAPKU, SIPPP, and SMSBunda. Brebes has the highest rate of maternal mortality in Central Java, which is included in the EMAS program. This paper aims to identify the effectiveness of SMSBunda in communicating with pregnant women in Brebes. From focus group discussion with pregnant women, the result showed that SMSBunda has not been taken seriously and people still rely more on their community for information related to their pregnancy.