Stunting Cases Are Still High, Minister Of BKKBN Highlights Pregnant Women Eating Sirih

Minister Of BKKBN Highlights Pregnant Women Eating Sirih (Yesica Sitinjak/VOI)

KARAWANG - Minister of Population and Family Development (Kemenduk bangga) / Head of BKKBN, Wihaji, highlighted the habits of pregnant women who like it, so betel in several regions in Indonesia. This habit can have a bad impact on the fetus, one of which is the risk of stunting.

Several areas there are still pregnant women who nyireh (twining betel). The limestone content in betel and iron that comes in during the nicheh can affect the condition of the fetus," said Wihaji during his visit to Mulyasari Village, Karawang, on Thursday, December 5, 2024.

This habit shows the importance of education that directly targets the community, especially pregnant women regarding the importance of maintaining food intake when pregnant. This is because food intake affects many things for the fetus, including the risk of stuntung.

Not only that, pregnant women must also understand the bad effects of certain cultural practices on the health of mothers and children.

"This is one of the cultures that we need to educate. Education is one of the main steps to prevent stunting. We are not only talking about nutrition, but also habits that can affect the health of pregnant women and children," said Wihaji.

Wihaji also said that in overcoming the stunting problem in Indonesia, cross-sectoral attention is needed. Apart from BKKBN, other ministries, local governments, and the community must work together to overcome this.

One of the steps taken by BKKBN is to approach by name by address. This ensures that families who are at risk of stunting get the appropriate attention, including education on pregnant women.

We have data on families at risk of stunting (KRS). Today, we have to go directly to the field and solve the problem with focus. It can't just be a discussion or seminar," concluded Wihaji.

As is known, the prevalence of stunting according to the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) data was recorded at 21.5 percent, with 8.7 million Stunting Risk Families (KRS). This figure must be lowered to 18 percent in 2025, and GENTING is one of the steps to reduce it.