Tanah Bumbu Regent asks SKI to revise its stunting data

Batulicin, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The Regent of Tanah Bumbu, South Kalimantan Province, H. Zairullah Azhar asked National Health Survey (SKI) to revise stunting data of Bumi Bersujud (Tanah Bumbu's nickname).

"SKI said that in Tanah Bumbu there were 6,700 out of 27,000 children or 25 percent affected by stunting, whereas the reality only 865 children or 3.1 percent affected by stunting," said Zairullah in Batulicin, Tuesday.

He said the data released by SKI is considered inaccurate and is afraid to have a negative impact on the wider community.

Zairullah asked SKI to immediately revise the data that has been issued to the public.

Zairullah explained that SKI used a sampling system in collecting data, while the District Government of Tanah Bumbu through the Health Agency (Dinkes) used real methods or went directly to the field, coordinated with village heads, posyandu cadres, PKK, cross-sectors, family planning staff and others.

"We also used the Community-Based Nutrition Reporting and Recording (PPGBM) system which was handled by special personnel to verify stunting cases on ongoing basis," Zairullah expounded.

Zaiullah confirmed that the 2023 stunting tally in Tanah Bumbu reached 6,700 or 25 percent released by SKI was incorrect, but the correct number is 865 children.

He acknowledged that stunting cases in Tanah Bumbu was previously in second place in South Kalimantan, but it is now in seventh position.

Many efforts had been made by Tanah Bumbu government to reduce stunting by involving various parties, including  posyandu (integrated health service post) cadres and related agencies

Read also: Sungai Cuka BUMDes named the best in South Kalimantan
Read also: IDR2.7 trillion Sungai Kusan Dam to begin construction in 2025
Read also: Tanah Bumbu boosts rice production to strengthen food security