Sleman Deputy Regent: Stunting Prevention Rooted in Data Accuracy

Sleman (ANTARA) - Sleman Deputy Regent Danang Maharsa stated that handling stunting is not merely focused on fulfilling nutrition but must begin with accurate data to ensure interventions are precisely targeted. “Stunting is not just a number. It concerns the future of our children, therefore data verification and validation are key so that interventions are on target and at-risk families can be immediately assisted,” Danang said. He made the remarks at the 33rd National Family Day (Harganas) commemoration for Sleman Regency at the Tamanmartani Cultural Hall, Kalasan, on Thursday. The event was also attended by Minister of Population and Family Development/Head of the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN) Wihaji. Deputy Regent Danang Maharsa said Minister Wihaji’s presence was an honour and a strategic momentum to strengthen central and regional synergy in realising quality family development. Danang also conveyed that the Sleman Regency Government is ready to fully support national population policies. According to him, as a form of operational readiness on the ground, Sleman Regency has optimised the performance of Field Line Workers across 16 sub-districts (kapanewon). Currently, the family assistance structure in Sleman includes 2,088 Family Assistance Teams (TPK) and 212 Toddler Family Development (BKB) groups with 8,345 members. Additionally, there are 134 Youth Family Development (BKR) assistants with 3,977 members, 175 Elderly Family Development (BKL) assistants with 4,556 members, complemented by 16 Elderly Schools, and 131 Youth Information and Counselling Centres (PIK R) with 2,620 members. On the occasion, Minister Wihaji met with hundreds of Sleman TPK cadres and families at risk of stunting who were also present. Minister Wihaji stressed the crucial role of TPK cadres in reducing stunting rates and safeguarding family resilience. He said the central government is committed to conducting direct supervision at the grassroots level in accordance with the President’s instructions, with ministry officials asked to focus on checking facts on the ground.