Batam City Government Educates 750 Elementary School Students To Eat Fish

Chairman of the Batam City TP-PKK Erlitasari Amsakar and Head of the Fisheries Service Yudi Admajianto in the Gemarikan activity at SD Sagulung, Batam.(ANTARA/HO-Diskominfo Batam)

JAKARTA - Introducing the habit of eating fish to children from an early age is an important step in forming a healthy diet that supports optimal growth and development.

Fish are important sources of nutrients such as high-quality protein, omega-3, vitamin D, and various minerals that are urgently needed by children, especially for brain development and endurance.

This kind of education should start from the family environment and be strengthened through educational programs in schools.

In an effort to support this positive habit, the Batam City Government, Riau Islands (Kepri), included around 750 elementary school (SD) students in the national program of the Fish Food Community Movement (Gemarikan). This program is an initiative of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) which aims to increase fish consumption among the younger generation.

The head of the Batam City Fisheries Service, Yudi Atmajianto, explained that this activity had taken place in three different sub-districts.

A total of 250 children participated in today's activities in Sagulung District. Previously, similar activities had been held in Batam Kota and Nongsa sub-districts, bringing the total to 750 participants," he said when contacted on Thursday in Batam.

To attract children's interest, the Batam Fisheries Service cooperates with the Riau Islands Fairy Tale Village so that educational activities are more enjoyable and easy to understand. "We want an interactive and fun approach so that children are more interested and understand the importance of eating fish," added Yudi.

This program also received support from the Batam City Family Empowerment and Welfare Mobilization Team (TP-PKK), especially in an effort to prevent stunting among children. Chairman of the Batam City TP-PKK, Erlitasari Amsakar, emphasized the importance of nutritional content in fish for children's development.

Fish is a very good source of protein for brain growth and development. Regular fish consumption is highly recommended," he explained.

Erlitasari also invites parents to familiarize fish consumption in the family environment as the foundation for children's healthy diet. The role of parents is very large in shaping children's eating habits. I really appreciate this activity because it provides great benefits for the health and future of the Batam youth," he said.

The Batam City Government has stated its commitment to continue to support increasing fish consumption in the community, both as a step to fulfill children's nutrition and in order to support the sustainability of the local fisheries industry.