"Local food in Papua, such as sago, corn, and tubers, have good nutritional content," he noted here on Monday.
He also urged the regional heads of nine cities/districts of Papua province to intensively increase local food production.
"The Papua provincial government, together with other related agencies, is continuing to work hard to accelerate the stunting rate reduction, which is currently still 28.6 percent in the region," he said.
According to Limbong, it is important to encourage officials in the districts and cities to devise innovative measures by looking at the existing potential that can be developed to generate economic benefits for the community.
"We must take advantage of local wisdom on how to overcome obstacles in fulfilling nutritional needs, for instance, through (consumption of) sago, corn, fish, and other local food products," he said.
Regional heads need to be creative in using and developing the existing potential properly, he emphasized.
Based on the Indonesian Nutritional Status Survey (SSGI), stunting prevalence in Papua was recorded at 29 percent in 2021 and dipped to 26.9 percent in 2022. However, it exceeded the 20 percent threshold set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Meanwhile, the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) indicated that the stunting rate in the region had increased again to 28.6 percent.
Currently, the local government is focusing on promoting regional food potential in Papua.
It is also continuing to make efforts to reduce the stunting rate by providing assistance in the form of food reserves, such as rice and other basic necessities.
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Translator: Qadri P, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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