Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) is focusing on accelerating stunting reduction in 2023 by assisting Central Java's government to draft gubernatorial regulations related to the Stunting and Postpartum Family Planning (KBPP) Program.

"The reason for including the KBPP Program in the draft regulation is because it has a strong influence on reducing stunting cases. The KBPP achievement data in the past few years before 2022 was at a fairly low level even though in that year, it managed to rise to 57 percent and was above the national average," BKKBN's program coordinator for the Central Java stunting task force, Edi Subagiyo, noted in his statement received here, Tuesday.

Subagiyo remarked that the assistance would help to encourage local government officials in issuing the same regulations in their respective areas.

"Hopefully, the governor's regulation can encourage all local health facilities to provide maximum KBPP services to the community," Subagiyo stated.

In addition, the agency necessitated the availability and updated strategic planning system and a comprehensive database related to toddlers, pregnant women, and prospective brides at the district and village level. Moreover, community assistance and facilities must be carried out continuously.

"Thus, stunting reduction amounting to five percent from 2022 will be achieved by the end of 2023," he remarked.

In addition, Head of BKKBN Central Java, Widwiono, urged the stunting reduction task force to work faster and more actively in 2023.

This is because Central Java is one of the major provinces and the main national support for various programs, such as stunting reduction. He admitted that last year, the task force's work was not maximized, as they were just starting to understand each other's material, roles, and tasks.

For instance, to handle cases of children under two years of age, with low weight and height, the task force must be able to coordinate well with the parties involved in carrying out their duties.

"The important key regarding stunting data lies at the health service. Before being handled by BKKBN, stunting was handled by each health service even though the terms were different," he added.

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Translator: Hreeloita Dharma S, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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