Stunting Risk Is Still Lurking, The Ministry Of Education Is Proud To Use Foster Parents Throughout Indonesia

JAKARTA - The risk of stunting is still a serious challenge for the development of human resources in Indonesia. The condition of failure to grow in children has not only an impact on height, but also on cognitive development and competitiveness of future generations.

Various factors such as lack of nutritional intake in the first 1,000 days of life, limited access to clean water, poor sanitation, and lack of nutrition education at the family level make efforts to reduce stunting require the cooperation of many parties.

In an effort to accelerate the prevention of stunting, the Ministry of Population and Family Development (Kemenduk bangga)/BKKBN mobilized extension workers to act as foster parents for children at risk of stunting.

This step was taken to support the realization of a healthier and quality Indonesian golden generation in the future.

The head of the BKKBN, Wihaji, explained that all regions in 514 districts/cities have foster parents who come from various elements, ranging from extension workers, BUMD, to private companies.

According to him, although the contribution of every foster parent is not always large, their commitment and concern are important strengths in assisting families at risk. Data on the whereabouts of these foster parents can also be accounted for.

He added that the government had indeed rolled out a Free Nutrition Food Program (MBG) to support the fulfillment of nutrition for children aged 02 years. However, there are many other factors that affect the high stunting rate, such as the lack of access to clean water and sanitation.

Therefore, a number of companies have contributed to providing assistance, such as the supply of clean water in plantation areas where stunting risk families are still found.

In addition, the condition of uninhabitable houses and toilet facilities, washing, toilets (MCK) located in one room with sleeping areas are also the cause of high health risks. Life patterns and sanitation that do not meet these health standards can increase the chances of stunting in children.

Through the Foster Parent Movement Prevent Stunting (Genting), companions from various elements of pentahelix are encouraged to help meet the needs of risky families, both in the form of improving access to nutrition, clean water, and sanitation. Universities are also involved in providing nutrition education to families, because lack of knowledge is often an obstacle, even in families with sufficient economic conditions.

Wihaji said that the impact of nutrition intervention through MBG cannot be measured nationally because the Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) will only be conducted in 2026. However, the report of the Family Assistance Team (TPK) shows an increase in weight and height in toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers who receive the assistance. He emphasized that even though the initial evidence was positive, measurable official data would be released after the national survey was conducted.