Indonesia Aims to Reduce Stunting 14% by 2024

Jakarta, May 29, 2024 – The Indonesian government continues to demonstrate its commitment to combating stunting by focusing on collaboration and resource optimization. This is being done to pursue the ambitious target of reducing stunting prevalence to 14% by 2024.

This strategic approach was highlighted in the Forum Merdeka Barat 9 (FMB9) Dialogue, which raised the theme "The Challenge of Reducing Stunting to 14%." Deputy for Human Development and Equitable Development Policy Support at the Vice President's Secretariat, Suprayoga Hadi, stated that the formation of the Stunting Reduction Acceleration Team at all levels of government is one of the keys to achieving this target.

This team, led directly by Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, is tasked with coordinating various stunting reduction efforts more effectively and collaboratively. Pentahelix collaboration involving the government, community, academics, entrepreneurs, and the media is also a key factor.

In addition, resource optimization, including the allocated budget, is a major focus. The government has allocated around Rp30 trillion from the APBN (State Budget), including Rp23 trillion for the Non-Cash Food Assistance Program (BPNT). Village funds have also been allocated 10% of the total Rp70 trillion for stunting reduction programs.

Despite the budget being allocated, Suprayoga acknowledged that implementation at the regional level is not always smooth. Therefore, supervision and mentoring continue to be carried out to ensure that the budget is used on target.

Director General of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Maria Endang Sumiwi, emphasized the importance of all parties being involved in a synchronized manner. "We are trying to provide quick publication of the data at the Ministry of Health so that parties who want to contribute can immediately take action," she said, quoted by VIVA English.

The government's hard work has shown encouraging results. In the span of two years, the national stunting prevalence has experienced a significant decline from 24.4% in 2021 to 21.6% in 2022.

However, the journey to reach the 14% target is still long. Commitment and cooperation from all parties are highly required. With collaboration, resource optimization, and accurate data, the government is optimistic that this stunting reduction target can be achieved.