Mayor Eri Cahyadi Targets Zero Stunting, BKKBN Wants Surabaya To Become Indonesia's Pilot Project

SURABAYA - Head of the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) Hasto Wardoyo, hopes that Surabaya will become a pilot project for zero maternal and child mortality (stunting). Hasto is optimistic that Surabaya can make it happen because the support is very strong, compared to other districts in Indonesia.

"That's why I am optimistic that Surabaya can be an example and a pilot project for zero maternal deaths," said Hasto, after meeting with the Mayor of Surabaya, Eri Cahyadi at the Surabaya City Hall, Friday, March 12.

Hasto said that only the Surabaya regional head had the courage to target zero stunting and maternal mortality. In fact, said Hasto, many regional heads admit that it is difficult for zero stunting and maternal mortality.

"Only the Mayor of Surabaya said that. Many others felt that it was hard to be able to zero maternal deaths," he said.

Therefore, Hasto hopes that other regions can emulate Surabaya, which targets zero stunting. This is because, he said, the health status of this nation is determined by the maternal mortality rate and the child mortality rate. If the stunting is good, the nation's health status will automatically increase.

"So, WHO actually looks at Indonesia from the mortality rate of mothers and children. Hence, the Wali's program is in line with what the nation or the President aspires to," said Hasto.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Surabaya, Eri Cahyadi, is targeting zero stunting and maternal and child mortality. Overcoming stunting is one of Eri's flagship programs to support President Joko Widodo's program, reducing stunting and maternal and child mortality.

"God willing, the reduction in stunting infants and maternal and child mortality will be the most important program in Surabaya, as conveyed by the President to reduce stunting and mortality rates for mothers and children. So, we don't just want to reduce it, but we have to be zero," said Eri.

To make it happen, Eri ensures the follow-up of the BKKBN direction, starting from the calculations and the steps taken. Eri also hopes that the Surabaya City Government can become a part of the BKKBN.

"So that what the President wants we can achieve in Surabaya, with zero stunting and death of mothers and children, of course with the direction and guidance of the BKKBN," he said.

Eri claimed that there were many programs and assistance carried out by the Surabaya City Government to overcome stunting and maternal and child mortality. However, Eri did not mention what program he meant.

"In the future cadres and PKK will assist pregnant women in every RW. So we will move them to assist pregnant women," he said.