Luthfi to Use Demak and Semarang Regency as Role Models for Stunting Prevention

The Governor of Central Java, Ahmad Luthfi, will utilise the success of Demak Regency and Semarang Regency as role models for tackling stunting. These two regions are considered capable of reducing prevalence rates to around two per cent.

Luthfi stated this during the Technical Coordination and Advocacy Meeting for the Prevention and Acceleration of Stunting Reduction for the Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara regions, held at the Novotel Hotel, Semarang, on Tuesday (2nd September).

Based on data from the second quarter of 2026, the stunting prevalence in Central Java is 9.93%. Although the prevalence trend has been steadily declining since 2024, significant regional disparities remain.

For instance, Wonosobo stands at 18.05%, Purworejo at 16.62%, Banjarnegara at 16.24%, Magelang Regency at 15.82%, and Tegal Regency at 15.59%. In contrast, other areas such as Demak and Semarang Regency have already reached levels below 10%, specifically 2%.

Consequently, he will establish Demak and Semarang Regency as role models. Provincial and regency/city departments have been instructed to observe, imitate, and modify the best practices and efforts implemented by these two regions.

“I am asking all regions to learn from Demak and Semarang,” he said.

According to Luthfi, stunting prevention must be carried out comprehensively and collectively in accordance with respective authorities, ranging from central, provincial, regency/city, district, to village levels.

He noted that regions with high stunting prevalence are affected by several factors, including malnutrition, poor sanitation, and lifestyle habits.

Therefore, it is expected that regions with high stunting rates will undergo valid data collection to ensure that interventions are precisely targeted and sustainable.

The Deputy for Welfare Improvement and Human Resources Development at the Vice President’s Secretariat (Setwapres), Eddy Cahyono Sugiarto, stated that the national stunting prevalence currently stands at 19.8%. With a target of 14-15% by 2029, there is still a 4% gap that must be addressed in the remaining time.

He emphasised that the commitment of regional heads and relevant agencies is crucial, as stunting must be addressed through cross-sectoral collaboration involving nutrition, environment, sanitation, and infrastructure.

“There were good lessons from two regencies today, which we will replicate in other areas, not just in the Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara regions, but throughout Indonesia. We hope that what has been achieved in Central Java can serve as a trigger for other regions to take similar steps,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Ministry of Population and Family Development, Budi Setiyano, noted that the issue of stunting in Indonesia is not yet resolved.

Stunting prevention will be synergised with the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, particularly for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers not enrolled in early childhood education (PAUD). It is hoped that this synergy will be more effective, as regional support is available to utilise target groups in alignment with the objectives of the MBG programme.