Effective Steps To Support Wihaji's Proudness Of Lowering Stunting Rates In Indonesia

JAKARTA - Minister of Population and Family Development/Head of BKKBN, Wihaji emphasized the importance of a holistic approach in overcoming stunting problems in Indonesia. Wihaji revealed his plans and criticism of the efforts that had been made.

Wihaji admits that stunting prevention efforts still face major challenges. Moreover, the stunting rate decreased by only 0.1 percent. Based on data from the Ministry of Health, Indonesia's stunting rate in 2023 was 21.5 percent and in 2022 it was 21.6 percent.

Wihaji said that one of the things that caused the reduction in stunting was the lack of implementation models appropriate for the program that had been set. This was revealed by Wihaji at the year-end Reflection event at the Office of the Ministry of Education and Culture/BKKBN.

"Maybe something is wrong and we tidy this up. Is the person different, the evaluation is different, the treatment is different, or the monitor is different. Now later (the 2024 stunting data) we will issue it in 2025," said Wihaji, when met on Permata Street No.1, East Jakarta, on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

He called the low stunting prevalence rate an evaluation material to improve future strategies. One of the programs introduced by the Ministry of Education and Culture/BKKBN is "Parents Fostering Stunting," which emphasizes community collaboration and related stakeholders in stunting prevention.

"0.1 has very low prevention. I believe, I made a Foster Parents Program to Prevent Stunting. I don't want to depend on the state, but I do it myself," he said.

According to Wihaji, the success of stunting prevention cannot only depend on the government. He called for the involvement of various parties, including business actors and the community.

"Because of any modern and developed country, stakeholders must be present. Entrepreneurs who are corrupt in natural wealth, it is still difficult for many people to help," he said.

He also invited entrepreneurs to be more concerned through direct contributions and to care about the problem of stunting in Indonesia.

"Pay the tax okay, tap your heart. We have a 4 menu program for foster parents, a nutritional menu, non-nutrition, sanitation clean water, and education. I believe this is already visible," he said.

Wihaji explained that of the five toddlers born in Indonesia, one of them was stunted. Wihaji said that his party would seriously pay attention to stunting issues.

"In Indonesia, 5 toddlers were born about one stunting. Because of our prevalence of 21.5," he said.

However, he emphasized that the problem of stunting is not only a matter of numbers, but also a matter of justice. He said that no child would want to be born with stunting conditions. Wihaji emphasized the importance of saving every child who is at risk of stunting.

"I'm not a problem of stunting, ladies and gentlemen, but justice. You have to pay attention to them, one of them is part of a generation that may be the Editor-in-Chief, one day they become the owner of the media, one day they become president, no one knows, right, that's my heart," he said.

"So it's not a matter of the number, but one person we save helps, I think it's part of their obligation and their right to life. After all, they also don't want to be born in a stunting condition." he continued.

With programs like Foster Parents Prevent Stunting, he hopes to create a healthy future generation and be able to contribute to the nation. According to Wihaji, this is a shared responsibility that must be carried out by all elements of society.