"Our (proportion of) non-optimal generation is (projected to reach) almost 40 percent. The biggest (factor behind this) is stunting, so when we reduce stunting, we would have reduced the heaviest factor for the quality of our human resources," Wardoyo explained.
He emphasized that the Indonesian population faces many serious threats that can interfere with the goal of realizing a quality generation nationwide.
Based on BKKBN data, the biggest problems faced by the Indonesian population are stunting (24.4 percent), mental-emotional disorders (9.8 percent), psychotropic and narcotic substance addiction (5 percent), disability (3 percent), and autism (1 percent).
Another problem is that a number of provinces will begin to experience the transition to aging population soon, with 80 percent of them not graduating junior high school.
"The aging population will happen in 2035, in general, 80 percent of (them) would not have graduated from junior high school so they would not be productive," he said.
Related news: BKKBN collaborating with stakeholders to push down stunting rate
If all problems are not addressed properly, the country will not enjoy the demographic bonus in 2045, Wardoyo cautioned.
Meanwhile, the central government has conducted efforts in line with the issuance of Presidential Regulation No. 72 of 2021 on the Acceleration of Stunting Reduction and the National Action Plan for the Acceleration of Reducing Indonesia's Stunting Rate (RAN PASTI).
Unfortunately, the BKKBN has found that food assistance for pregnant women and complementary food for babies, such as fortified biscuits, has not yet reached families in need in some areas.
Further, the absorption of the Special Allocation Fund for Family Planning Operational Assistance (DAK BOKB) in cities and districts is still low, he said.
"We ask to accelerate fund absorption from BKKBN at Family Planning Office," he added.
Related news: BKKBN collaborates with parenting apps to expedite stunting reduction
Translator: Hreeloita S, Kenzu T
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
