The government is seeking to build greater coordination in implementing the Holistic Integrative Early Childhood Development (PAUD HI) program, which is still being run independently by each ministry/institution, especially at the regional level.
The move is aimed at supporting the achievement of the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.
"It depends on the leading sector to realize a successful synergy and coordination between the central government and the regions," Deputy for Improving Children, Women, and Youth Quality at the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, Woro Srihastuti, said on Wednesday.
She explained that PAUD HI is an early childhood development effort carried out to fulfill the diverse and interrelated essential needs of children simultaneously, systematically, and in an integrated manner.
The program aims to provide early childhood services that are organized in an integrated and harmonious manner between institutions with the commitment of all related elements, she added.
According to her, the program has been implemented since 2013 based on Presidential Regulation Number 60/2013. However, the stance of regional governments regarding the PAUD HI policy still varies, resulting in differences in financing and access to PAUD HI services.
She then informed that the program covers several essential sectors such as health and nutrition, child development, child welfare, protection, care, and education. However, in reality, the concept is still considered separate and not holistic.
"In every stage from 0–6 years, we must meet the needs of our children. The implementation still has many challenges, from policies to implementation," she said.
Meanwhile, deputy rector II of the Veteran University of Jakarta, Netti Herawati, highlighted that many parents and teachers still consider PAUD HI as an early childhood education program, whereas education is only one part of PAUD HI.
This understanding must be corrected, so children can access essential needs holistically for their growth and development and in welcoming Golden Indonesia 2045, she emphasized.
"Children should receive complete intervention. Their brains will not be able to process education without nutrition. Education is important but the door to enter stimulation is nutrition and health. The second is parenting; if children are stressed then their brains will block," she added.
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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Editor : Mahdani
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