Kadin Calls Free Nutrition Eating Program Efforts To Reduce Stunting Rates

Illustration (Photo: Doc Antara)

JAKARTA - Member of the Advisory Council of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Melli Darsa emphasized the importance of good nutritional intake in the nutritious lunch program initiated by the President and Vice President-elect Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

"When it comes to superior human resources, I agree that it cannot be separated from the quality and intake of nutrition. And this has indeed become the focus of President Joko Widodo's administration with the national stunting management program," Melli said in a written statement, Friday, August 2.

According to him, a nutritious food program can try to prevent and reduce stunting rates in children and adolescents.

Melli Darsa added that nutrition improvement is not only a matter of increasing the amount of food intake, but also paying attention to the quality of the food consumed.

"I think we should also ensure that the food consumed by children and adolescents is rich in the nutrients needed to grow their growth and development. These include essential protein, vitamins, and minerals," he said.

He also highlighted the importance of education to the public regarding balanced nutrition and how to meet daily nutritional needs.

Data does show that Indonesia is still facing major challenges related to nutritional problems.

Based on data from the Ministry of Health, stunting and malnutrition rates for Indonesian children are still high when compared to other countries.

In addition, based on data from the World Population Reviu 2022, the average IQ of Indonesian children is also still below global standards, with an average score of 78.49.

The IQ of Indonesian children is lower than other neighboring countries such as the average IQ of children in Laos 80.99, the Philippines 81.64, Brunei Darussalam 87.58, Malaysia 87.58, Thailand 88.87, Vietnam 89.53 and Myanmar 91.18.

Melli argues that a nutritious food program must be integrated with a comprehensive education program.

"We must start from schools, provide nutrition education to children and parents, and ensure that food in the school canteen meets the necessary nutritional standards," he explained.

Therefore, said Melli, the need for synergy and cooperation between the government, the private sector, and the community is to ensure the sustainability of this nutritious eating program.

He underlined the importance of monitoring and a sustainable evaluation of this nutritious food program.

"We need to make sure that this program runs well and achieves the desired targets. Periodic evaluations and strategic adjustments are very important for the success of this program," he said.

He said, with the existence of a nutritious food program that is integrated with stunting management efforts, it is hoped that Indonesia can create a healthy, intelligent and competitive young generation.

"We have great potential to become a developed country, and this must start from investing in our human resources. The nutritional quality of children and adolescents is the foundation of the nation's future," concluded Melli.