Jakarta (ANTARA) - Stunting and anemia remain nutritional challenges that cannot be underestimated in Indonesia, reflecting a gap in access to and understanding of proper nutrition.

The issue is not only about under-eating but also improper eating. Amid these complex issues, various parties have made efforts to respond to these challenges with a more systematic and comprehensive approach.

In addition to the government and parties in the public health sector, the food industry has begun to take a more strategic role, positioning itself as part of the solution rather than just a producer.

According to the 2024 Indonesian Nutritional Status Survey (SSGI), Indonesia's stunting rate stood at 19.8 percent, while one in three children under five suffers from anemia.

These conditions not only impede children's physical growth and development but also have long-term impacts on cognitive development, economic productivity, and the future of the nation's next generations.

Chronic anemia in childhood has been shown to impair learning and concentration abilities.

Stunting is not only about below-average height but also involves sub-optimal brain development, weakened immunity, and unfulfilled potential.

This underscores the need for a new perspective on nutritional improvement -- one that goes beyond short-term interventions and builds a comprehensive ecosystem.

It begins with parental education, early nutritional screening, access to nutritious and affordable food, and science- and evidence-based interventions.

If solutions to stunting have so far been seen as solely the responsibility of the government and parties in the health sector, a cross-sectoral approach becomes a necessity.

One example of the strategic role of industry players can be seen through the involvement of several food producers in education and screening-based initiatives, such as the program carried out by children's nutrition company, Sarihusada.

The Stunting-Free Advanced Generation program not only offers nutritional products but also initiates nutritional screening and educational campaigns for young families in various regions.

Prof. Hardinsyah, PhD, Chair of the Committee Professor at IPB University and President of the International College of Nutrition, assessed that this approach demonstrates how all parties can complement the government's efforts to build nutritional awareness from an early age.

More than just a campaign, the Stunting-Free Advanced Generation program applies three concrete measures: regular measurement of children's height and weight, consultations with doctors, and the provision of clinically tested nutrition.

By reaching over eight thousand children in 50 locations since 2023, this program marked a new chapter in the governance of community-based nutrition interventions.

This paradigm shift is also marked by innovations in food products that are not only nutrient-rich but also designed for higher biological value.

The formulation of iron that is absorbed twice as fast when combined with vitamin C, the use of DHA and tuna fish oil to support brain development, and balanced doses of vitamins and minerals are some examples of a science-based nutritional approach that is affordable for the wider community.

This proves that innovation does not need to be costly or extravagant but must be appropriate and based on real needs.

Research-driven intervention

The development of products combining iron with vitamin C for better absorption, along with added DHA, fish oil, and dietary fiber, is gaining momentum in Indonesia's child nutrition industry.

Several formulations are now based on the latest scientific studies and are claimed to significantly accelerate iron absorption, representing progress in the fight against childhood anemia.

This reflects a shift in nutrition-related approach, from simply fulfilling basic nutrition to a research-based intervention strategy.

However, the challenge now lies not only in increasing the number of locations for screening or selling more products but in ensuring all stakeholders are aware of this nutritional approach.

Education for young families, cooperation with cadres of integrated health posts and midwives in villages, as well as data integration between the private sector and the government, become essential steps to realize a coordinated detection and intervention system.

Indonesia must shift its perspective on children's health, from a household concern to a national priority, from individual responsibility to collective collaboration.

When business players join this approach, Indonesia can build a much more resilient and inclusive child health system.

On the other hand, initiatives and leadership in nutrition are no longer just the government's domain, but any party willing to work across disciplines, listen to communities, and apply knowledge can take the initiative.

Nutrition is a long-term development challenge that requires an approach rooted not just in statistics but in empathy, science, and collaboration.

Every small step taken to improve children's nutrition is essentially a big investment for the future of the nation. Collaboration between the public and private sectors in the field of nutrition becomes important to be enhanced continually.

When all stakeholders, including business players, not only produce but are also involved in education, screening, and capacity building, the approach to children's nutrition can become truly transformational. This is what Indonesia needs today: active participation from all parties to improve the nation's health quality.

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