Palembang, South Sumatra (ANTARA) - The National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) has called on all families in Indonesia to refocus their household finances to prevent stunting in their children.

“Families must refocus their finances. True richness is not about material things, but the ability to live a long and healthy life,” said Hasto Wardoyo, Head of BKKBN, in Palembang on Wednesday.

Based on existing data, the second-largest household spending is on cigarettes. Meanwhile, some families also spend money on internet credit.

“This is very unfortunate, because it shows that the money is not being managed properly. It could be used to buy fish or eggs, which can help fulfill the nutritional needs of children and their families, especially in providing animal protein,” Wardoyo reminded.

He emphasized the need to refocus family finances, otherwise families will spend money on unimportant things, such as showing off for the sake of prestige, which will be wasted.

Wardoyo advised that if families have leftover budget, it could be focused on more useful aspects, such as business capital for productive activities, such as Business to Increase Family Acceptor's Income (UPPKA) or Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

“This opportunity must be pursued now, as the advantages and opportunities from the demographic bonus in Indonesia will only last until 2035. At that time, it is estimated that the elderly population will dominate the population profile,” he said.

He stated that in today's era, there are technological advancements, which means businesses need to incorporate the latest technological innovations into their marketing strategies.

Additionally, there is a shift in the demographics of the population, with a significant portion comprising young individuals, he added.

“This must be taken into consideration. If you are going to build your business, then you must see this potential,” he suggested.

Erinaldi Alisman, Daily Chairperson of the Central Management Agency for Business to Increase Family Acceptor's Income (BPP AKU), stated that BKKBN is actively providing legal protection and support to the UPPKA group.

This includes ensuring the legitimacy of micro-family business actors' entrepreneurship and offering assistance in case of business-related problems.

Meanwhile, Iwan Suryana, an expert staff member at the Ministry of Investment, reminded that each business must have a Business Identification Number (NIB) as a sign of the legality of business actors, both large business players and MSMEs.

“The efforts carried out by the UPPKA program are expected to be innovative, creative, and adaptive in running productive economic businesses to help the family become financially independent,” he remarked.

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Translator: Hreeloita Dharma S, Resinta S
Editor: Anton Santoso
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