West Java Aims For 2025 Without New Stunting Cases

JAKARTA - Stunting is still a serious problem that must be handled thoroughly because it has an impact on the quality of future generations.

For this reason, the West Java Provincial Government targets that by 2025 there will be no more cases of new stunting (zero new stunting) as an effort to build healthy, superior, and competitive human resources.

West Java Regional Secretary (Sekda) Herman Suryatman emphasized that this target will be realized with concrete and integrated steps carried out in 27 districts/cities in West Java.

"Our target is clear, there should be no more new stunting cases in West Java. We will execute this through concrete and integrated steps," Herman said in Bandung, as quoted by ANTARA.

He explained that preventive interventions must be carried out from pregnancy to pregnancy. For pregnant women, the West Java Provincial Government encourages routine pregnancy examinations at least six times, blood-added tablets consumption, and adequate nutrition fulfillment, especially animal protein.

After the baby is born, attention is directed at the fulfillment of children's growth and development rights through the provision of exclusive breast milk for six months, followed by breast milk up to two years of age, as well as balanced nutritious companion food.

"Funishing good nutrition and parenting is the main key to preventing stunting. This is a shared responsibility of the government and society," he said.

Herman added that this commitment was also emphasized at the Cross-Sectoral Stunting Reduction Acceleration Team Coordination Meeting (TPPS) together with representatives from 27 regencies/cities throughout West Java at Gedung Sate, Bandung.

The forum is a means of cross-sectoral consolidation to strengthen synergy and accelerate the reduction in stunting prevalence which is still a challenge in a number of areas.

The West Java Provincial Government, he continued, will also strengthen the role of posyandu cadres, health workers, and optimize various specific and sensitive intervention programs at the regional level.

"With the cooperation of all parties, God willing, we can achieve the target of zero new stunting for the future of West Java children who are healthier and smarter," Herman added.