BKKBN Stresses Holistic Approach to Stunting Prevention

Minister of Population and Family Development/Head of BKKBN Wihaji has stressed that stunting prevention must be comprehensive. It is not sufficient to only fulfil the nutritional needs of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers; the quality of the living environment is also key.

“Stunting prevention must be carried out holistically. Besides ensuring adequate nutrition, we also need to ensure that families live in a healthy environment, have good sanitation, and decent housing to support children’s growth and development,” said Wihaji while directly inspecting the implementation of the Genting programme in Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta (25/06).

The Gerakan Orang Tua Asuh Cegah Stunting (Genting), or Foster Parents Movement to Prevent Stunting, is not merely about providing physical assistance. It is a mutual cooperation movement that directly addresses the root problems of targeted families.

Dwi Rahayu (32) is one of the recipients of this helping hand. A resident of Glondong Hamlet, Tirtomartani, Kalasan, she is a breastfeeding mother with three children. The presence of a tiny 1.5-month-old baby, amidst her struggle alone after being left by her husband, became a severe test.

In another hamlet, Pakem, Kalasan, the struggle for survival is evident in Paiyem (73). The elderly woman, who lives alone, stays with her nephew, Heri Kiswanto (33), who works as a field officer earning 2.8 million rupiah per month. Heri must divide his focus between supporting his own family—his wife and toddler—and helping Paiyem.

Home rehabilitation assistance worth 50 million rupiah per family, provided through the Genting programme, became a catalyst for Dwi Rahayu and Paiyem to obtain healthier, safer, and more comfortable housing.