Coordinating Minister For Human Development And Culture: Prevent Stunting By Fulfilling Nutrition For Mothers And Babies

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Muhadjir Effendy invites all parties to prevent cases of stunting or stunting through the fulfillment of balanced nutrition for mothers and babies.

"The wealth of existing natural resources can be used to fulfill nutrition for mothers and babies in order to prevent stunting," said Muhadjir Effendy, quoted by Antara in a press release, Saturday, June 11.

The statement was made after a working visit to North Maluku Province and a dialogue with the local government about dwarfism.

The Coordinating Minister said that the government continues to intervene to accelerate the reduction of stunting cases in a number of areas, including North Maluku.

Based on the Indonesia Nutrition Status Study (SSGI) 2021, the prevalence rate of stunting under five in North Maluku is 27.5 percent. The highest prevalence of stunting is on Taliabu Island, which is 32.5 percent, while the lowest is in Ternate City, 24 percent.

"The government will intervene to accelerate the reduction of stunting cases in the North Maluku region," he said.

According to the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, North Maluku Province is an Indonesian region known for its abundant natural wealth. Ranging from biological wealth and spices to marine resources.

Related to this, Muhadjir invites all parties to reduce the number of stunting in this region by ensuring the fulfillment of nutrition for mothers and babies.

The Coordinating Minister also asked all related parties to increase socialization and education to the public about stunting and its prevention efforts.

"Thus, it is hoped that the community will have awareness to provide nutritious food for their children. Children need a balanced nutritional intake ranging from carbohydrates, proteins, fats to vitamins and minerals," he said.

Muhadjir added that the central government's interventions to accelerate the reduction of stunting include the provision of ultrasound medical devices and digital body measurement tools at puskesmas.

In addition, he said, the government will also provide assistance in providing clean water to support the sanitation program.

Meanwhile, the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture also asked the relevant agencies in North Maluku Province to include stunting-prone families in the Family Hope Program (PKH).