"We can hold a meeting with regional heads to discuss strategies on accelerating the reduction of stunting in the remaining time to narrow the wide gap (in stunting percentages). We need this joint collaboration," Head of BKKBN Hasto Wardoyo said.
The regulation has proven to reduce the national stunting rate, which was originally at 24.4 percent in 2021, to 21.6 percent in 2022, he said, adding that the 2.8-percent decrease is considered a significant achievement in reducing stunting.
Another success resulting from the presidential regulation was the reduction in the stunting rate in South Sumatra, where the figure had reached six percent, he stated.
"Until now, we have decided to trust data from the provincial level because data gathered at the district level is rather unreliable due to the limited number of samples taken," he remarked.
He stated that the presidential regulation also stipulated that each regional head should lead the stunting reduction acceleration team in their respective regions and implement five related pillars.
The presidential regulation also included regulations involving the deputy head and the family welfare and empowerment cadres (PKK) with structured and standardized rules that should be followed by all parties, he remarked.
"This includes building commitment and communication. All five pillars must be able to function, build vision and commitment, and increase efforts to change behavior in order to achieve the stunting reduction target," Wardoyo affirmed.
He also reminded all parties that stunting has a far greater negative impact on the growth and development of children, with effects prolonged until old age. This can hamper the government's efforts to utilize the demographic bonus as well.
"President Joko Widodo said that the fate of this country is in the hands of our young generation, whether to utilize the demographic bonus or not. Those aged 19 to 25 years must be able to decide," he stated.
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Translator: Hreeloita Dharma S, Resinta S
Editor: Anton Santoso
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