"The budget for all posyandus (integrated health posts) is the budget to purchase animal protein food products," Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono informed during the "FMB9: Important Step to Reduce Stunting" discussion, which was streamed on Monday.
In response to findings concerning violations such as the provision of milk and biscuit products with high fat and sugar content, the ministry repeatedly conducted evaluations with experts, he informed.
The experts were drawn from universities, professional organizations, and associations that specialize in cases related to stunting.
The goal was to obtain proper and accurate stunting handling module contents to optimize the alleviation of stunting.
Based on the discussion's results, he said the decision to stop the budget came after experts unanimously highlighted that the provision of biscuits or milk alone to children is not enough to prevent stunting.
"Experts informed that the most effective additional food to prevent stunting is animal protein. This will provide good and the most effective effects," he said.
"That is why the budget to purchase milk and biscuits no longer exists," he said.
Harbuwono urged all parties not to misinterpret the policy because the ministry has replaced it with the budget to purchase or process animal protein foods such as eggs, fish, and chickens distributed through posyandus across Indonesia.
He said that, beyond being beneficial for children's growth, foods rich in animal protein can also be developed by local residents. This can drive the economy of a region due to rising demand.
"If many people purchase eggs in a village, there will be many egg farmers in that village. Hence, this will provide good economic growth effect, which also includes fishes or chickens," he elaborated.
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Translator: Hreeloita D S, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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