“Poor environmental conditions such as degradation, limited access to clean water and food, and behaviors that are harmful to environmental health can contribute to stunting,” he said.
He made the remarks during the signing of a memorandum of understanding between his ministry and the Ministry of Population and Family Development/National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Stunting, which is characterized by impaired growth caused by chronic malnutrition, is posing a serious threat to the development of the younger generation at a time when the nation is striving to achieve the 2045 Golden Indonesia vision.
“Damaged ecosystems—whether water, air, or land—can affect the quality of food and water available to the younger generation, which ultimately impacts the nutritional intake of children,” Hanif explained.
To reduce the national stunting rate, which was recorded at 19.8 percent in 2024, the Ministry of Environment and the Environmental Management Agency (KLH/BPLH) have partnered with the BKKBN to promote better early childhood development.
As part of the initiative, the ministry has agreed to incorporate child care and nurturing centers (Taman Asuh Sayang Anak, or Tamasya) into the assessment criteria of the 2025 Proper Environmental Management Performance Rating Program (PROPER).
Hanif informed that 5,476 companies are participating in the PROPER assessment this year, and those aiming to earn a “Gold” rating will need to include social innovation programs such as Tamasya, which is a part of the BKKBN’s stunting prevention strategy.
The inclusion of Tamasya in PROPER is also expected to build awareness about the vital role of a healthy environment in supporting child growth and development.
“The Tamasya program, initiated by the Minister of Population and Family Development/head of BKKBN, plays an important role in building awareness of the need for a quality living environment to support the healthy development of our children,” Hanif added.
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Translator: Prisca, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
