Focus On Handling Stunting, Kemenduk Proudly Appoints New Secretary

JAKARTA - In an effort to support national priority programs, including accelerating the reduction in stunting rates, the Ministry of Population and Family Development (Kemenduk bangga)/BKKBN inaugurated new officials to strengthen management and coordination.

On January 6, 2025, the Minister of Population and Family Development, Dr. Wihaji, S.Ag, MPd, officially inaugurated Prof. Budi Setiyono, S.Sos, M.Pol.Admin., Ph.D as Secretary of the Ministry/President Secretary of the BKKBN. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Auditorium of the Ministry of Education and Culture/BKKBN Jakarta.

This inauguration refers to Presidential Decree Number 209/TPA of 2024 concerning Dismissal and Appointment in the Middle High Leadership Position within the Ministry of Education and Culture/BKKBN which was signed by President Prabowo Subianto on December 31, 2024.

In his remarks, Minister Wihaji emphasized the importance of the role of the Secretary of the Ministry in supporting strategic government programs, including accelerating the reduction in stunting rates which is one of the main targets in the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN).

Wihaji also highlighted that the main task of the Ministry of Education and Culture/BKKBN is to realize two important points in Asta Cita, namely equitable economics through development from the 6th village (butir) and strengthening social harmony to achieve a just and prosperous society (butir ke-8).

"I hope Prof. Budi can carry out his duties optimally, strengthen the managerial process, and ensure effective coordination in the organization. In addition, he is also expected to be able to oversee superior programs, such as the transformation of the work culture of ASN which is oriented towards high quality," said Wihaji in Jakarta, Monday, January 6, 2025.

Prof. Budi Setiyono was elected after going through a series of selection processes carried out by the Ministry of Education and Culture/BKKBN, including competency tests on November 20, 2024. This selection process was carried out based on Presidential Regulation Number 139 of 2024 concerning the Arrangement of Tasks and Functions of the Ministry of State, the Red and White Cabinet for the 2024-2029 Period.

Prior to serving as Secretary of the Ministry, Prof. Budi has a broad academic and professional track record. He is a Professor at Diponegoro University (UNDIP) and has served as Vice Chancellor at the university. In addition, Prof. Budi is also part of the Independent National Bureaucratic Reform Team (TIRBN) of the Ministry of PANRB (2021-2024) and has worked as a consultant in various international organizations, including UNDP, UNFPA, and the World Bank.

In his statement, Prof. Budi emphasized his commitment to supporting the ministry's strategic tasks, especially in optimizing the demographic bonus.

According to him, the demographic bonus is a golden opportunity that must be utilized properly through aligning the number of productive workers and the availability of employment opportunities.

"We will provide accurate population data and information to assist the relevant ministries in making strategic decisions. The demographic bonus must be a force to encourage the nation's development," said Prof. Budi.

As Secretary of the Ministry, Prof. Budi will also ensure that programs such as accelerating stunting reduction run according to the target. This program, according to him, is an important step to ensure future generations grow healthy and of quality, so that Indonesia can achieve the vision of a Golden Indonesia with equitable people's welfare.