Khofifah receives Persagi award for accelerating stunting reduction

Surabaya (ANTARA) - East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has received an award from the Indonesian Nutritionists Association (Persagi) for her success in leading the acceleration of stunting prevalence reduction to 14.7 per cent in 2024, achieved through cross-sector collaboration and various policy innovations. “Alhamdulillah, East Java’s commitment to accelerating stunting reduction continues to show positive results. And we are grateful that today we received an award from Persagi,” Governor Khofifah said in a statement received in Surabaya on Saturday. Persagi assessed that Governor Khofifah had successfully led the acceleration of stunting reduction while demonstrating strong commitment through various cross-sector policy innovations that contribute to improving the quality of life and future of children in East Java. “This award is not just for me, but also as appreciation for all stakeholders who have shared the same commitment to continuously reduce the stunting prevalence rate in East Java,” Khofifah said. The achievement places East Java as the province with the lowest stunting prevalence in Java and the second-best nationally after Bali. Khofifah said the success was the result of synergy among various regional agencies and stakeholders. “East Java’s success in reducing the stunting prevalence rate was carried out by many parties, working together hand in hand, starting from Bappeda, the Health Office, the Education Office, the Social Office, the Village Community Empowerment Office, TP PKK East Java, BKKBN, DP3AK, and Perindag,” she said. In addition to cross-sector collaboration, the East Java Provincial Government has also developed a number of innovations, including door-to-door counselling, assistance for pregnant women with chronic energy deficiency, and the East Java Response to Pregnant Women at Risk of Stunting programme. The government also provides training for prospective brides and grooms as a stunting prevention measure before pregnancy. “Many innovations have been carried out to reduce stunting rates, not only for pregnant women but also innovations that provide training for prospective brides and grooms. This is an anticipatory step so that they understand and can prevent stunting before pregnancy occurs,” she said. “Nutritionists are at the forefront of ensuring nutritional fulfilment in every MBG menu served,” she added. She explained that every Nutritional Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) is under the supervision of competent and verified nutritionists, so the quality of the meals is maintained. “Indeed, each SPPG is under the supervision of a nutritionist with the appropriate classification and verification, but it does not mean one SPPG has one nutritionist; one nutritionist can supervise several SPPGs,” she said. According to Khofifah, the availability of competent human resources is an important factor as the number of SPPGs increases, so that the benefits of the MBG Programme can be optimally received by the community. Khofifah expressed hope that the award would serve as motivation for all stakeholders to continue strengthening synergy in reducing the stunting prevalence rate in East Java. “Let us continue to work together to reduce stunting rates and produce a superior generation to welcome Indonesia Emas 2045,” she said.