"BKKBN is in control of stunting prevention from now on," the president remarked during a briefing at the National Coordination Meeting for the Proud "Kencana" Program Partnership at the State Palace, here on Thursday.
The head of state noted that the BKKBN had been appointed to lead the implementation of the stunting reduction efforts.
Indonesia's stunting rate, recorded at 37 percent five years ago, had declined to 27.6 percent in 2019. The president reminded that the 2024 national target of reducing the stunting rate was set at 14 percent.
Related news: BKKBN appointed to lead Indonesia's stunting rate reduction efforts
The target would not be difficult to achieve if the program were to be managed optimally on the field, he emphasized.
The BKKBN will push ministries and institutions in consolidating the budget and programs for reducing the stunting rate.
Jokowi affirmed that every stakeholder must pay serious attention since the stunting rate had reached 27.6 percent in 2019 and was projected to worsen in the wake of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I emphasize that because the BKKBN has organizational infrastructure up to the grassroots level, it will be the executive chairman of the (stunting rate reduction) activities, and it will be coordinated by the coordinating minister for human development and culture," the president stated. Related news: Amin entreats regional heads to remain committed to fight stunting
Translator: Rangga PAJ, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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