Stunting Down, Babel BKKBN Initiates Foster Parental Movement For Vulnerable Families

Head of the Babel Islands BKKBN Representative Fazar Supriadi Sentosa (mediumly dressed in white) when handing over nutritious food assistance from foster parents at risk of stunting in Pangkalpinang (ANTARA)

Stunting is still a serious challenge for the development of human resources in Indonesia, including in the Province of the Bangka Belitung Islands (Babel). The conditions that occur due to chronic malnutrition from the womb to the age of two have an impact on the physical growth and cognitive development of children, thus requiring cross-sectoral handling.

In an effort to suppress the case, the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) of Bangka Belitung Islands Province launched a foster parent program for 1,100 Stunting Risk Families (KRS) in Pangkalpinang City.

"Alhamdulillah, this is a joint commitment to eradicate stunting children in this area," said Head of the BKKBN Representative for the Babel Islands, Fazar Supriadi Sentosa, in Pangkalpinang, as quoted by ANTARA.

According to Fazar, the support of foster parents from the ranks of the Pangkalpinang City Government, PLN, PT Timah, and various related agencies will make a significant contribution in improving the quality of life for children at risk of stunting. The main goal is to support children's growth and development so that they can contribute to building the 2045 Golden Indonesia.

"We hope that this movement can reduce the stunting rate in Pangkalpinang City below the national target, even towards zero stunting conditions in the provincial capital," he said.

He added that collaboration between local governments, from provinces to sub-districts, state-owned enterprises, the private sector, and the community, is the key to success in accelerating the reduction of stunting cases, and can be an example for other regions in Babylon.

"We encourage other districts to imitate Pangkalpinang City in reducing the number of stunting cases," said Fazar.

Based on the latest data, the stunting rate in Indonesia is still in the range of 19.8 percent or around 4.4 million children at risk of stunting. Meanwhile in Babel Province, this figure reached 20.1 percent in 2024, and in Pangkalpinang City it has dropped to 17.3 percent from the previous 20.1 percent.

"Currently, the foster parent movement is carried out across sectors, across levels of government, business, and society, to suppress stunting," he concluded.