# Exclusion from Birth: Structural Barriers and Social Impacts Absence of Birth Certificates for Children of Urban Vulnerable Groups

Ig Mahendra Kusumaputra, Mei Candra Mahardika, Beti Nur Hayati, Yosefina Itu

► To cite this version:

Ig Mahendra Kusumaputra, Mei Candra Mahardika, Beti Nur Hayati, Yosefina Itu. Exclusion from Birth: Structural Barriers and Social Impacts Absence of Birth Certificates for Children of Urban Vulnerable Groups. The Journal of Philosophical Economics: Reflections on Economic and Social Issues, In press, Kompasiana. hal-05113370

HAL Id: hal-05113370

https://hal.science/hal-05113370v1

Submitted on 15 Jun 2025

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access
archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci-
entific research documents, whether they are pub-
lished or not. The documents may come from
teaching and research institutions in France or
abroad, or from public or private research centers.

L'archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est
destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents
scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non,
émanant des établissements d'enseignement et de
recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires
publics ou privés.

Public Domain
Exclusion from Birth: Structural Barriers and Social Impacts
Absence of Birth Certificates for Children of Urban Vulnerable Groups
(Mahendra Kusumaputra)

**Abstract**

The absence of birth certificates is a significant barrier for children from vulnerable populations, limiting their access to fundamental rights such as education, health, and legal protection. This study explores the structural barriers and social impacts of the absence of birth certificates for children from vulnerable groups in urban Indonesia. The study aims to investigate barriers to social bias, including potential discrimination, in the birth certificate registration process and to address the inaccuracy of birth certificate ownership data for vulnerable groups. This study used a qualitative methodology to conduct in-depth interviews and participatory observations of 50 urban poor people in Yogyakarta and Bogor. Thematic analysis of the data revealed that 70% of children in the surveyed communities did not have a birth certificate, a figure much lower than the national average. The main obstacles identified include complicated bureaucratic procedures, high costs, and lack of parental awareness of the importance of birth registration. These findings underscore a critical discrepancy between the observed realities in vulnerable communities and national statistics, highlighting the social exclusion experienced by children from vulnerable groups. The study concluded by proposing solutions centred on parental education, simplifying the registration process, and integrating technology to ensure all children can access the civil right to identity. This research contributes important data to develop more inclusive and effective policies to improve birth registration rates and reduce long-term negative social and economic consequences for children from vulnerable groups.

**Introduction**

In reality, not all children in Indonesia have a birth certificate. The absence of a birth certificate is often a significant barrier for children from vulnerable groups to access their fundamental rights. Studies in 60 countries show that the ownership of birth certificates for children from vulnerable groups is much lower than that of children from established groups (Bhatia et al., 2017).
A birth certificate is not just a document that serves as an official identity but also a key to opening the accept to education, health, and legal protection services. Through the ability to access social services provided by the state, the possession of birth certificates as identity documents can significantly increase the level of welfare of vulnerable children compared to vulnerable children who do not have them. (Hunter, 2019).

Many structural barriers, such as complicated bureaucratic procedures, high costs and difficult access to information, make many parents from vulnerable groups have not register their children because feel that they do not have good access to birth certificate-making services (Sanders & Burnett, 2019; Williams et al., 2018a). In addition, social stigma and distrust of the administrative system are often additional barriers (Elita et al., 2024).

There is a lack of comprehensive data on the number of children from vulnerable groups who do not have birth certificates in urban areas. Incompleteness of population data, including the ownership of birth certificates, is a problem that cannot be solved in many developing countries and is an obstacle to various population registration programs (Kasasa et al., 2021).

Many parents are not aware of the importance of birth certificates, so they do not register their children. In fact, with the possession of a birth certificate, they can access various social services, such as education and health for themselves and their children in social development programs provided by the state to break the chain of poverty (Adi et al., 2015; Amo-Adjei & Annim, 2015; Brill & Hunter, 2014; Brolan & Gouda, 2017). Therefore, the long-term impact of the absence of birth certificates on the social and economic development of these children is still not fully understood by parents of vulnerable groups.

The public should be given an understanding of the importance of birth registration as the first step in guaranteeing children's rights. Without the possession of a birth certificate, the risk of exclusion due to unequal access to social services, such as education and health, is very likely. Therefore, with proper treatment, every child has the right to a birth certificate and equal access to all services (Razali et al., 2022).

In addition, understanding the psychological and social impact of the absence of birth certificates on children is also a deficiency that needs to be researched. There has not been a
comprehensive study that examines the relationship between birth certificate access, educational success and child health.

The absence of a birth certificate can lead to social exclusion or prolonged social exclusion for children from vulnerable groups, which is significantly affected by the inability to access basic services such as education, health, and legal protection rights. A birth certificate is essential for establishing a child's legal identity, which is necessary to access a wide range of services and opportunities throughout their lives (Mbise, 2020; Purwatiningsih et al., 2025). Without birth certificates, children may face difficulties in enrolling in school, receiving health services, and obtaining other essential services, which can perpetuate cycles of poverty and marginalization (Sunmirat et al., 2024).

Some obstacles that hinder the process of obtaining birth certificates, especially in developing countries, are High costs and complicated procedures that can prevent parents from registering the birth of their children (Mbise, 2020; Purwatiningsih et al., 2025). The lack of parental awareness of the importance of birth certificates for the better survival of the child is also an obstacle that arises (Wodon & Yedan, 2019). Another obstacle is the lack of clarity on the application rules in the field as a derivative of higher regulations, which confuses service officers and makes them seem unresponsive (Purwatiningsih et al., 2025).

The primary purpose of this study is to explore whether there are socially biased obstacles that are manifested in the form of discrimination in the process of making birth certificates for children from vulnerable groups. Because there have not been many previous studies that have discussed the barriers of social bias and discrimination in registering birth certificates, this social bias barrier is important to research because it can be the main reason why parents from vulnerable groups are reluctant to register the birth of their child, which comes to the surface as a common barrier, such as complicated and expensive procedures.

The second objective of this study is to fill gaps in birth registration, especially for children of vulnerable groups; hence, it is essential to ensure that all children who have birth certificates can access their fundamental rights and services. With this, we can work towards complete birth registration and reduce the social exclusion of vulnerable children.
**Research Methods**

This study uses a qualitative approach to explore an in-depth understanding of the barriers faced by children from vulnerable groups. The target population was children and parents from urban poor communities, with 50 respondents drawn from several locations. The instruments used include in-depth interviews and participatory observations to collect relevant data. The research procedure consisted of data collection through interviews with parents and observation of the birth certificate registration process. Data analysis was carried out thematically to identify patterns and issues related to the absence of birth certificates.

**Sampling Techniques**

In this study, purposive sampling was used. This method was chosen because it allowed the researchers to select the respondents most relevant to the research topic, namely children and parents from vulnerable groups who did not have birth certificates.

1. **Respondent Selection Criteria:** Respondents must be poor parents of children under 18 who live in poor urban neighbourhoods and must not have or already have birth certificates for their children.

2. **Research Location:** The research was conducted in two major cities, Yogjakarta City and Bogor City.

3. **Number of Respondents:** The total number of respondents sampled was 50, which will provide a variety of perspectives on the challenges faced in the birth registration process.

4. **Respondent Recruitment:** Respondents were recruited directly or through community centres and NGOs focusing on child and family welfare.

With this approach, the research is expected to capture the diverse experiences and challenges vulnerable groups face regarding birth certificates.

**Data Analysis Methods**

In this study, the data analysis method will be used, which is **thematic analysis**. Here are the steps in data analysis:

1. **Data Transcription:** All interviews will be transcribed verbatim to ensure that all important information is recorded accurately.
2. **Coding**: After transcription, the researcher will identify themes and patterns that emerge from the data. Each relevant data segment will be coded to make it easier to group information.

3. **Identification of Themes**: The codes that have been collected will be further analysed to identify key themes related to the structural barriers and social impacts of the absence of birth certificates.

4. **Data Interpretation**: The data incorporated into the theme will be interpreted to understand the context and meaning behind the respondent's experiences.

5. **Validation of Findings**: To ensure accuracy, the researcher will triangulate the data by comparing the interview findings with the observations.

This method of analysis will help uncover in-depth insights into the issues faced by children from vulnerable groups related to birth certificates.

## Validity of Thematic Analysis Findings

To ensure the validity of the findings in the thematic analysis, several steps can be taken:

1. **Data Triangulation**: Using various data sources, such as interviews and observations, to compare and confirm findings. This helps ensure that the analysis results are consistent across multiple contexts.

2. **Member Checking**: Returns the analysis results to multiple respondents for feedback. This allows researchers to ensure their interpretations are accurate and follow the respondents' experiences.

3. **Peer Review**: Engage fellow researchers to assess the analysis process and findings. Responses from peers can provide additional perspective and help identify potential biases.

4. **Audit Trail**: keeps a clear record of the analysis process, including coding and development themes. This provides transparency and allows others to follow the steps taken.

5. **Self-Reflection**: Researchers must consciously consider personal biases and assumptions that may affect the analysis. With this awareness, researchers can be more objective in interpreting the data.

With these measures, the validity of the findings can be improved, providing more confidence in the thematic analysis results.

## Result: What Are the Results Get?
1. **Interview Results:** Interviews with 50 parents showed that 70% did not have a birth certificate for their children due to confusion regarding the birth registration process and the lack of information available. In addition, all respondents stated that they felt that costs and bureaucratic procedures were the main barriers to obtaining a birth certificate.

2. **Documentation Results:** The documents obtained found that only 30% of the children in the communities studied had a valid birth certificate. This data shows a significant gap in birth registration among vulnerable groups.

3. **Table 1. Number of Children Without Birth Certificates in the Community:**

<table><caption>Percentage of Children Aged 0-17 Years<br>Have a Birth Certificate by Region<br>(2015 - 2023)</caption><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Urban<br>(Percent %)</th><th>Suburban<br>(Percent %)</th><th>Mean<br>(Percent %)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2015</td><td>86,52</td><td>73,64</td><td>80,08</td></tr><tr><td>2016</td><td>87,44</td><td>75,96</td><td>81,7</td></tr><tr><td>2017</td><td>88,52</td><td>77,83</td><td>83,175</td></tr><tr><td>2018</td><td>88,31</td><td>78,15</td><td>83,23</td></tr><tr><td>2019</td><td>89,53</td><td>81,82</td><td>85,675</td></tr><tr><td>2020</td><td>91,2</td><td>84,41</td><td>87,805</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>90,91</td><td>85,32</td><td>88,115</td></tr><tr><td>2022</td><td>92,78</td><td>87,31</td><td>90,045</td></tr><tr><td>2023</td><td>93,89</td><td>89</td><td>91,445</td></tr></tbody></table>

Tabel 1.

Sumber: BPS, 2024

**Table 1.** shows the distribution of the number of children without a birth certificate based on age and background of the area of residence (city/village). The results showed that children from families living in rural areas had lower enrolment rates than those in urban areas.

4. **Figure 5. Birth Certificate Registration Process:**
<figure><img src="image_1.png" /><figcaption>**Fig.2.** Describing the normative process of making a birth certificate. If you do not meet the four requirements for making a birth certificate, then you will fail to obtain a birth certificate.</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_2.png" /><figcaption>**Fig.3.** Describing the flow of the birth certificate-making process. If you do not meet the four requirements for making a birth certificate, then to obtain a birth certificate, you can use a Statement of Absolute Responsibility (SPTJM) following Presidential Regulation Number 96 of 2018 concerning Requirements and Procedures for Population Registration and Civil Registration.</figcaption></figure>

## Comparison of Data with National Data
1. The data obtained from this study showed that only 30% of the children in the communities studied had birth certificates. There is a significant inaccuracy compared to national data, where the average registration of birth certificates reaches around 80%.

2. This shows that children from vulnerable groups in urban areas have greater difficulty in obtaining birth certificates compared to the national average. In addition, interview data also revealed that 70% of parents in this community are unaware of the registration process, while at the national level, parental awareness is usually higher, thanks to government information campaigns.

3. The main factors in this difference are the lack of openness to access to information and the bureaucratic obstacles faced at the local level. This data emphasizes the need for more effective interventions to increase birth certificate registration in vulnerable communities and bring registration rates closer to the national average.

## Discussion: How to Fill in the Gap?

The results of this study significantly corrected data on the number of children from vulnerable groups who did not have birth certificates in urban areas. With only 30% of children in the communities studied having birth certificates, this data highlights previously poorly understood barriers to social bias and provides a clearer picture of the challenges faced by these families. The long-term impact of the absence of birth certificates on children's social and economic development is also beginning to be revealed through interviews. Many parents are unaware of the importance of birth registration, which suggests that information and education on social assistance services that can accessed only by birth certificate need to be improved. Structural barriers, such as complicated bureaucracy when there are already regulations to make it easier, have also been identified as the main problems that hinder registration. This shows the need for reforms in the administrative process to facilitate access.

This research also opens up space to understand more deeply the psychological and social impact of the absence of birth certificates on children. Given the high correlation between access to birth certificates and educational success and child health, this study provides the basis for further studies that can help formulate policies more responsive to vulnerable groups' needs.
Overall, the results of this study not only identify existing problems but also offer valuable insights into finding practical solutions that can improve birth certificate registration rates, as well as understanding the long-term application to children in vulnerable groups.

## Conclusion: What Does This Mean for Us in the Future?

This study aims to explore the rate of birth certificate registration among children from vulnerable groups in residential settings and understand the long-term impact of the absence of such documents. The results showed that only 30% of children from the communities studied had birth certificates, with significant anomalies in registration to be noted.

We found that many parents are unaware of the importance of birth registration and fear facing complicated bureaucratic hurdles and high costs. This shows the need for educational efforts for parents and reform in the registration process to facilitate access and free according to existing regulations. In addition, the absence of birth certificates negatively impacts children's social and economic development, which is an important concern for public policy.

The main contribution of this study is to provide comprehensive and actual data on birth certificate registration among vulnerable groups which have been underrepresented in previous studies. The study opens up space for further discussion and more inclusive policy development by identifying the challenges faced and highlighting the long-term impacts.

In the future, the results of this study are expected to be the basis for more effective interventions to increase the registration rate of birth certificates. These efforts will not only help meet administrative needs but also support the overall social development of children. By increasing awareness and access, we can contribute to a more equitable and equitable national development for all people.

## Proposed solution:

1. Education for Parents: Raising awareness among parents about the importance of birth registration and the procedures involved can significantly increase enrollment rates. Educational campaigns and community outreach programs can help inform parents about the benefits of birth certificates and how to obtain them (Williams et al., 2018b).

2. Simplifying the Registration Process: Streamlining the registration process by reducing costs, simplifying procedures, and making services more accessible can help overcome financial and procedural barriers. This can include decentralizing registration services, using mobile
registration units, and integrating birth registration with other services such as healthcare
and education (Pelowski et al., 2015).

3. Leveraging Technology: Implementing digital solutions such as blockchain technology can improve the birth registration system's security, transparency, and efficiency. This can help reduce fraud, ensure the authenticity of documents, and make the process more accessible to parents (Arora et al., 2024; Eddy et al., 2024).
References:

Adi, A. E., Abdu, T., Khan, A., Rashid, M. H., Ebri, U. E., Cockcroft, A., & Andersson, N. (2015).
Understanding whose births get registered: a cross sectional study in Bauchi and Cross
River states, Nigeria. BMC Research Notes, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-015-1026-y

Amo-Adjei, J., & Annim, S. K. (2015). Socioeconomic determinants of birth registration in Ghana. *BMC International Health and Human Rights*, 15(1).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12914-015-0053-z

Arora, M., Agrawal, K., & Ambawde, D. (2024). Securing Birth Certifications using Blockchain.
*2024 IEEE 3rd World Conference on Applied Intelligence and Computing (AIC)*, 1451–1455. https://doi.org/10.1109/AIC61668.2024.10730987

Bhatia, A., Ferreira, L. Z., Barros, A. J. D., & Victora, C. G. (2017). Who and where are the uncounted children? Inequalities in birth certificate coverage among children under five years in 94 countries using nationally representative household surveys. *International Journal for Equity in Health*, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-017-0635-6

Brill, R., & Hunter, W. (2014). "Documents, Please": Welfare State Extensions and Advances in Birth Certification in the Developing World. SSRN Electronic Journal.
https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2468204

Brolan, C. E., & Gouda, H. (2017). Civil registration and vital statistics, emergencies, and international law: Understanding the intersection. *Medical Law Review*, 25(2), 314–339.
https://doi.org/10.1093/medlaw/fwx021

Eddy, T. T. M., Georges, B. B., Salomon, N. E. P., & Boniface, E. M. V. (2024). Birth Certificates Delivery, Traceability and Authentication Using Blockchain Technology. *International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications*, 15(9).
https://doi.org/10.14569/IJACSA.2024.0150957

Elita, R., Layla, F., Naristya, C., Akbar, Z., & Jannah, M. (2024). Rights of children from interfaith marriages: Child registration case in semarang, Indonesia. *Contemporary Issues on Interfaith Law and Society*, 3(1), 43–84. https://doi.org/10.15294/ciils.v3i1.76555

Hunter, W. (2019). Identity Documents, Welfare Enhancement, and Group Empowerment in the Global South. *Journal of Development Studies*, 55(3), 366–383.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00220388.2018.1451637

Kasasa, S., Natukwatsa, D., Galiwango, E., Nareeba, T., Gyezaho, C., Fisker, A. B., Mengistu,
M. Y., Dzabeng, F., Haider, M. M., Yargawa, J., Akuze, J., Baschieri, A., Cappa, C., Jackson, D., Lawn, J. E., Blencowe, H., & Kajungu, D. (2021). Birth, stillbirth and death registration data completeness, quality and utility in population-based surveys: EN-INDEPTH study. *Population Health Metrics*, 19(Suppl 1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12963-020-00231-2

Mbise, A. T. (2020). Birth Certificates, Birth Registration and the Denial of Human Rights: Evidence from Tanzania National Panel Data 2010/11. *International Journal of Children's Rights*, 28(2), 243–257. https://doi.org/10.1163/15718182-02802002

Pelowski, M., Wamai, R. G., Wangombe, J., Nyakundi, H., Oduwo, G. O., Ngugi, B. K., & Ogembo, J. G. (2015). Why Don't You Register Your Child? A Study of Attitudes and Factors Affecting Birth Registration in Kenya, and Policy Suggestions. *The Journal of Development Studies*, 51(7), 881–904. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220388.2015.1010156

Purwatiningsih, Y., Rizki Faisal, D., Masitoh, S., Dewi Lestyoningrum, S., Suryati Warouw, T., Sulistiyowati, N., Irianto, J., Agung Nugroho, D. N., Lustiani, I., & Afifah, T. (2025). Determinants of Unregistered Births Among Children Under Five in Indonesia. *Journal of Population and Social Studies*, 33, 669–683. https://doi.org/10.25133/JPSSv332025.036

Razali, R. M., Duraisingam, T. J., & Lee, N. N. X. (2022). Digitalisation of birth registration system in Malaysia: Boon or bane for the hard-to-reach and marginalised? *Journal of Migration and Health*, 6(February), 100137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmh.2022.100137

Sanders, C., & Burnett, K. (2019). A case study in personal identification and social determinants of health: Unregistered births among indigenous people in Northern Ontario. *International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health*, 16(4), 9–12. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16040567

Sunmirat, I. R., Sanusi, A., Jamaluddin, & Nurwinda, M. (2024). THE PROBLEM OF REGULATION ON USING ABSOLUTE LEGITIMACY IN ISSUING POPULATION DOCUMENT. *PETITA: JURNAL KAJIAN ILMU HUKUM DAN SYARIAH*, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.22373/petita.v9i2.465

Williams, A., Kusumaningrum, S., Bennouna, C., Usman, R., Wandasari, W., & Stark, L. (2018a). Using the theory of planned behaviour to understand motivation to register births in Lombok, Indonesia. *Children and Society*, 32(5), 368–380. https://doi.org/10.1111/chso.12262

Williams, A., Kusumaningrum, S., Bennouna, C., Usman, R., Wandasari, W., & Stark, L.
(2018b). Using the theory of planned behaviour to understand motivation to register births
in Lombok, Indonesia. *Children and Society*, 32(5), 368–380.

https://doi.org/10.1111/chso.12262

Wodon, Q., & Yedan, A. (2019). Obstacles to birth registration in Niger: estimates from a recent household survey. *Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 38(S1)*, 26.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s41043-019-0185-1