Balangan, Adaro declare stunting free village

Paringin, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) - PT Adaro Indonesia and the District Government of Balangan, South Kalimantan, jointly declared stunting free village as a commitment to expedite stunting reduction in 'Bumi Sanggam' (Balangan's nickname).

Adaro representative Nico Seniar said the declaration showed the company's strong determination in handling stunting in Balangan through collaboration with related parties.

"We hope that the spirit of collaboration will continue to be maintained in efforts to accelerate the handling of stunting," said Nico, who is CSR & Comrel Departement Head at PT Balangan Coal, in Paringin, Thursday.

Throuhgout 2023, Adaro has made partnership with regional government and various parties in efforts to expedite stunting reduction.

Adaro collaborated with Unggulan Kalimantan Polytechnic (Polanka) to handle target toddlers.

The joint declaration was attended by Adaro's representatives and working parters, including PT Saptaindra Sejati, Balangan Coal, Adaro Foundation (YABN), Balangan government, Medha Parahita Indonesia, Polanka, as well as officials of villages targeted by the program.

Nico said that this year's program has a significant impact in Balangan. In May 2023, the nutritional status of stunted toddlers and targeted pregnant women increased to reach 80 percent.

Head of Balangan Health Office Ahmad Nasa'i expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Adaro for its commitment and cooperation in helping to reduce stunting rate.

"We are optimistic that in 2024 we will achieve the national target (of 14 percent), (and hopefully) to achieve Balangan zero stunting," said Nasa'i optimistic.

He also conveyed appreciation to all parties involved that Balangan was ranked fourth in the Province of south Kalimantan in 8 convergence action to accelerate stunting reduction.

In this activity, appreciation was given to the best villages, facilitators, and posyandu cadre who had contributed in the program in Balangan 2023.

With the declaration of stunting free village and the publication of program results, Adaro Group has showed a clear example that the company is not only committed to economic aspect, but also to sustainable social development.

Various activities, such as nutrition education, distriting nutritinal supplement, and child health program have been carried out in 40 intervented villages in Balangan District.