Kotabaru government accelerates stunting reduction

Kotabaru, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The district government of Kotabaru, South Kalimantan, is accelerating prevention and reduction of stunting (PPPS) through pre-development planning meeting (pra-musrenbang).

Kotabaru Deputy Regent Syairi Mukhlis said that the President's national development vision "Together with Indonesia Advancing Toward Golden Indonesia 2045", placing human resource development as a top priority.

“The 4th Asta Cita emphasizes the stengthening of health and nutrition sector, including acceleerating stunting reduction,” he said in Kotabaru, Tuesday.

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This activity (PPPS) is an important part of the local government's efforts to align stunting reduction acceleration program in more affective and targeted manner.

Syairi expounded that the government has set an ambitious target to reduce stunting prevalence to 14.4 percent by 2029, and to 5 percent by 2045.

“This is not just number, but a commitment to ensure Indonesia's future generation grow up healthy, intelligent and productive,” he said.

He also explained that based on Indonesian health survey data, the prevalence of stunting in Kotabaru shows fluctuations that need serious attention.

In 2021, it was 21.8 percent, then increasing to 31.6 percent in 2022, but declining in 2023 to 20.1 percent, and in 2024 rising again to 23.2 percent.

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“This data shows our efforts have resulted, but not consistent and require more targeted, integrated, and sustainable strengthening,” he said.

Deputy Regent hopes, various problemns and obstacles still faced at the su-district and village level can be identified so that comprehensive solution can be formulated and implemented collaboratively.

“I hope through this forum, we produce priority program formulation that truly touch the root of the problem, on the basis of data and can be implemented effectively at the village and sub-district level,” he added.

He encouraged all parties to continue strengthening commitment and collaboration in efforts to accelerate stunting reduction in the region.