FIELD OF PEOPLE’S WELFARE Center for Parliamentary
Analysis
Expertise Agency of DPR RI
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A BRIEF STUDY OF ACTUAL AND STRATEGIC ISSUES Vol. XV, No. 14/II/Pusaka/July/2023 c 5715409 d 5715245
m [email protected]
STUNTING IN INDONESIA: UNDERSTANDING
THE ROOTS OF THE PROBLEM
AND SOLUTIONS 21
Tri Rini Puji Lestari*
Abstract
Stunting is still a serious problem for children in Indonesia today. This paper
explores the root of the problem and the solutions to stunting. Malnutrition, an
unhealthy environment, poor maternal health, lack of nutrition education, low
public awareness, socio-economic factors, and inequality cause stunting. A so-
lution with a holistic approach is needed that involves the government, society,
and related stakeholders. Efforts that need to be made are poverty alleviation,
nutrition education, public awareness, promotion of food diversification, paren-
tal education and guidance, and increasing access to health services. Therefore,
the role of Commission IX DPR RI is important in carrying out oversees to
ensure the coordination and cooperation of all parties in overcoming stunting in
children and creating healthy and quality future generations.
Introduction According to the Indonesian
National Children’s Day ev- Ministry of Health’s Nutritional
ery July 23 commemoration is an Status Study report, the prevalence
important moment to reflect on the of stunting in Indonesia fell from
problem of stunting in Indonesia. 27.7 percent in 2019, 24.4 percent in
Stunting is a serious problem ex- 2021, to 21.6 percent in 2022, with
perienced by Indonesian children the majority occurring in children
due to prolonged malnutrition. aged 3–4 years. However, this fig-
The high stunting rate indicates ure is still not by WHO standards,
that many children are chronically which target less than 20 percent.
malnourished, which affects their For this reason, the government is
growth and development and re- trying to reduce the stunting rate to
quires fast action. 17 percent in 2023 and 14 percent in PUSAKA BKD
2024 (Rokom, January 25, 2023).
* Associate Legislative Analyst in the Field of People’s Welfare at the Center for Parliamentary Anal-
ysis, Expertise Agency of DPR RI. e-mail: [email protected]
Stunting is a health prob- stunting rate in Indonesia. Eco-
lem and has social and economic nomic issues also play an impor-
impacts. Stunted children experi- tant role. Low-income families have
ence impaired physical and men- limited access to nutritious food, so
tal development, low immunity, their children need more nutrition.
impaired nutrition and health, and Economic inequality exacerbates
low academic achievement, impact- this situation as only a few people
ing productivity and the economy can access resources and opportuni-
in the long term (Putri, 2023). ties (Ministry of Health, 2022b).
This paper explores the root Public knowledge and aware-
causes and solutions of stunting, ness about good nutrition need to
analyzes the main causes, and how be improved. Many parents in In-
to overcome them. With a better un- donesia need to be fully aware of
derstanding and effective steps, it is the importance of nutritious food
22 hoped that stunting can be fought and have sufficient knowledge
and that Indonesian children have a about a balanced diet. Improper
healthier and better future. feeding practices also contribute to
malnutrition in children. As a re-
The Root Causes of the sult, children do not get the nutri-
Stunting Problem tion they need to grow properly
According to Presidential (Kompas.com, January 30, 2012).
Regulation No. 72 of 2021 concern- Sanitary and environmental
ing the Acceleration of the Reduc- conditions also play an important
tion of Stunting, the definition of role. Infections and diseases, such
stunting is a disorder of child devel- as diarrhea and parasitic diseases,
opment caused by chronic malnu- can affect a child’s absorption of
trition and recurrent infections. A nutrients and growth. Poor sanita-
height below the standard the Min- tion and limited access to clean wa-
istry of Health sets characterizes ter and adequate sanitation facilities
this disorder. also contribute to the problem of
Stunting, also known as stunting, especially in rural areas.
chronic malnutrition, occurs when Limited access to health ser-
a child experiences stunted growth vices is another source of prob-
and their height does not match lems. Limited health facilities, es-
their age. This problem affects chil- pecially in rural areas, can hinder
dren’s physical growth and long- early identification and treatment
term impacts cognition, learning of malnutrition in children. Lack of
ability, and productivity in adult- knowledge and awareness about
hood (Kominfo.go.id, February 17, the importance of routine nutrition
2021). checks also affects efforts to prevent
One source of the stunting and treat malnutrition.
problem is malnutrition in mothers
and children. The lack of nutritional Solutions to Address the
intake in mothers before pregnancy, Problem
during pregnancy, and in the first Stunting occurs when a child’s
1,000 days of a child’s life can hin- physical growth is stunted due to a
der their growth, leading to a high lack of adequate nutritional intake
and essential substances for growth. campaigns on social media or mass
For that reason, integrated solutions media. Additionally, promoting
are needed. The government has food diversification to improve
taken significant steps in dealing children’s nutrition is necessary.
with stunting, and there are three Education and outreach programs
main interventions to prevent stunt- should be carried out to introduce
ing in women. people to diverse and nutritious
First, giving Blood Supple- foods. Education and guidance for
ment Tablets to young women parents are also essential to pro-
through a nutrition action program vide children with information and
at school. In addition, physical ac- skills about healthy eating patterns.
tivity is also encouraged, and bal- Nutrition education should focus
anced nutritious food consumption on proper feeding practices for chil-
is promoted. dren, such as exclusive breastfeed-
Second, providing iron tab- ing for the first six months of life, 23
lets, conducting pregnancy checks, appropriate complementary foods
and offering additional animal after six months, and a balanced
protein food to children aged 6–24 diet for toddlers. Nutrition educa-
months. The type of animal protein tion stimulates changes in people’s
given is adjusted based on avail- behavior in choosing, cooking, con-
ability in each area (Ministry of suming nutritious food, and adopt-
Health, 2022). ing a healthy diet.
Third, in addition to these Improved sanitation and en-
interventions, measurements are vironmental health must also be
carried out to monitor program ef- part of the stunting solution. De-
fectiveness and obtain accurate veloping sanitation infrastructure
data. Hemoglobin (HB) levels in and increasing access to clean water
the blood are measured for young should be a priority. Counseling on
women who receive iron tablets. In personal hygiene and good sanita-
contrast, pregnant women are ex- tion should be carried out regularly.
amined for iron and nutritional lev- Regarding limited access to
els, and an ultrasound examination health services, it is necessary to
(USG) is performed to monitor fetal increase access, especially in rural,
development in the womb. underdeveloped, border, and re-
Apart from the three interven- mote areas. Improving health fa-
tions above, several other steps can cilities, training health workers, and
be taken to address the root causes conducting regular check-ups on
of malnutrition in Indonesia. child nutrition can help prevent and
First, poverty alleviation pro- treat malnutrition more effectively.
grams need to be improved to re- Collaboration between sectors
duce poverty levels. Social assis- and active participation from the
tance and poverty alleviation can government, NGOs, the private sec-
help low-income families meet the tor, and the community is crucial in
nutritional needs of their children. tackling stunting. Through strong
Second, there is a need for cooperation and synergy, real
integrated nutrition education in change can happen. Comprehen-
schools, health centers, and through sive intervention programs involv-
ing all parties should be introduced, References
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