The Foster Parental Movement Is A Real Effort For The Ministry Of Education And Culture To Suppress Stunting Cases

Condolences of Dr. Wihaji, S.Ag., M.Pd., accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Education and Culture, Isyana Bagoes Oka, introduced five priority programs, including Genting in Jakarta, Wednesday, January 15, 2025. (BKKBN Public Relations)

JAKARTA - Minister of Population and Family Development (Mendukbangga), Dr. Wihaji, S.Ag., M.Pd., inaugurated a number of Middle, Primary, Administrator and Supervisor High Leadership Officials within the Ministry of Population and Family Development/BKKBN on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at the Office of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Jakarta.

This inauguration is a new milestone for the transformation of BKKBN, which now has the status of a ministry in accordance with Presidential Regulation Number 180 of 2024 as well as introducing five priority programs, including the Foster Parental Movement to Prevent Stunting (Genting) and Child Care Park, as a concrete step to realizing family resilience.

"This inauguration is not just ceremonial, but an important momentum to support organizational change and progress. The trust given to officials is a mandate that must be carried out with dedication and professionalism," said Dr. Wihaji in his remarks in Jakarta, Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

Dr. Wihaji highlighted the strategic role of the Ministry of Education and Culture in supporting the development of human resources (HR) towards the vision of Indonesia Gold 2045.

"Residents are the nation's main assets. Therefore, I invite officials who are appointed to continue to innovate, strengthen cooperation, and accelerate the achievement of strategic programs that are in line with the Asta Cita President and Vice President," he stressed. He also introduced five priority programs of the ministry, including the Foster Parental Movement to Prevent Stunting (Genting) and the Asuh Anak Park as concrete initiatives to build family resilience.

One of the successes of the Genting program is the achievement of 34,000 foster children who have received support from 7,000 foster parents. This program does not burden the state budget because it is carried out through a community-based approach.

Each foster parent is clearly recorded through data by name by address and supported by complete documentation, including photos. In addition, the monitoring process has been carried out by compiling SOPs that make it easier to implement and ensure the program runs smoothly.

Real results from this program can be seen in several areas such as Bali, where there is an increase in the weight of children who previously had a risk of stunting.

In addition, inaugurated officials are also encouraged to build pentahelix collaborations with various stakeholders, including other ministries/agencies, universities, the private sector, community organizations, and local governments.

"Involving various parties will accelerate the achievement of the strategic program targets that have been set," he added.

Dr. Wihaji emphasized that efforts to reduce stunting prevalence are one of the main focuses. With a national target of 18 percent this year according to Bappenas' direction, the government and strategic partners such as BGN continue to work hard to support pregnant women and toddlers (batata).

This program is closely monitored through daily reports from each representative office in the region, and evaluated sustainably to ensure its sustainability.

"We continue to monitor and improve program implementation steps in stages. With solid cooperation and enthusiasm for innovation, we are optimistic that we can achieve the targets that have been set," said Dr. Wihaji.

He also expressed high hopes for the newly appointed officials in order to continue the various programs launched until Indonesia's vision of gold in 2045.

"The challenges ahead are not easy, but I am sure that with a new spirit, innovation, and hard work, we can bring positive changes to the nation. Hopefully this mandate can be carried out well for the advancement of organizations and society," he concluded.