Baznas and Kemendukbangga invite public to give alms to prevent child stunting
Jakarta - Indonesia’s National Zakat Board (Baznas) and the Ministry of Population and Family Development (Kemendukbangga)/National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN) have relaunched the Sedekah Gerakan Orang Tua Asuh Cegah Stunting (Genting) service to encourage public participation in addressing stunting across Indonesia.
Mohamad Arifin Purwakananta, Deputy I of Baznas for Fund Collection, said the collaboration represents synergy between the management of religious social funds and institutions with technical competence in family health and population management.
Arifin stated that Baznas serves as a bridge between the financially capable or donors and lower-income families who form vulnerable groups for stunting.
According to him, this cooperation is important to ensure stunting interventions are carried out comprehensively and precisely targeted.
Arifin added that the management of zakat and alms is conducted in a measurable manner through collaboration with institutions that have a track record and expertise in their respective fields.
On the stunting issue, Kemendukbangga/BKKBN serves as a strategic partner to ensure assistance provided is not merely charitable in nature, but delivers long-term impact.
In implementation, Arifin explained that Baznas provides a special donation wallet for Sedekah Genting, allowing the public to channel assistance specifically designated for stunting prevention programmes through Kemendukbangga/BKKBN.
Regarding beneficiary determination, Arifin explained that verification processes are conducted using integrated data from Kemendukbangga/BKKBN and the Ministry of Social Affairs.
“We invite the Indonesian public to give alms through this Sedekah Genting programme. Hopefully this will not only be a momentary social activity, but become a sustainable movement,” said Arifin.
Meanwhile, Yuni Hastutiningsih, Acting Director for Community Participation at Kemendukbangga/BKKBN, said the Genting programme focuses on families at risk of stunting, particularly from income deciles 1 to 3. Based on research, nearly 50 per cent of stunting prevalence comes from lower-income families.
She explained the movement aligns with the government’s efforts to support the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045 (Golden Indonesia 2045).
According to her, the quality of the future generation must be prepared now as children who will be productive in 2045 are currently in their growth and development phase.
She invited the business world and the broader public to get involved.
“So far we have been waiting for corporate social responsibility, but it has not been evenly distributed. Now is the time for capable members of society to become foster parents for families at risk of stunting. This collective concern will accelerate the decline in stunting rates,” said Yuni Hastutiningsih.