Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The provincial government of South Kalimantan recorded the annual per capita fish consumption of 65.72 kilograms, exceeding the national average of 58 kg per capita.
"Although higher than the national average, we still encourage people to eat more fish," said South Kalimantan Regional Secretary Syarifuddin at the All Fish Cooking Contest in Banjarbaru, Tuesday.
He said increasing fish consumption has important benefits for intelligence and physical health, and is part of South Kalimantan government's strategy to reduce stunting rate which remains above 22 percent by 2024.
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Syarifuddin believes that education through culinary activities like this is an effective strategy for developing healthy consumption pattern in the community.
"This is a strategic step. Fish is rich in protein and omega-3, which are crucial for child growth and preventing stunting," concluded Syarifuddin.
The fish cooking competition was held as part of eating fish campaign (Gemarikan), and was attended by 13 districts and cities across South Kalimantan. Participants presented a variety of fish-based dishes in interisting and innovative ways.
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"Patin (pangasius) and bandeng (milkfish) are the main ingredients in this competition, because their consumption is still low," said Head of South Kalimantan Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Office (DKP) Rusdi Hartono.
Based on the office's data, the absorption of patin is 24.18 percent, but milkfish is only 14.58 percent.
Rudi hopes diversified processing to emerge in the contest that can encourage increased consumption of both types of fish.
Three categories of menu were competed in the contest: family menu, toddler menu, and snacks.
Trophies and cash prizes of Rp3 milion (first place), Rp2.5 milion (second place) and Rp2 milion (thrid place) were awarded to the winners.
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