Villages Ministry develops local protein sources to tackle stunting

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Ministry of Villages and Disadvantaged Regions Development (Kemendes PDT) is developing local food sources, including animal protein, as part of efforts to tackle malnutrition and stunting in disadvantaged areas.

Director General for the Acceleration of Disadvantaged Regions Development at Kemendes PDT, Samsul Widodo, cited efforts in West Sumba to prevent stunting by processing snails as an alternative food source for introduction to children.

“In West Sumba, we have been trying to process snails and other foods to prevent stunting. Although people there do not traditionally eat snails, children like them. This is what we are trying to develop,” Samsul said in his keynote address at the National Symposium on Health Problems in Disadvantaged Regions (SINTESA), organised by Kemendes PDT in collaboration with the University of Indonesia (UI). He was speaking at the event, which was followed online from Jakarta on Tuesday.

He said such efforts form part of the ministry’s approach to addressing food security and nutrition in disadvantaged areas across Indonesia. The problems, Samsul said, cannot be solved by relying solely on the availability of carbohydrate-rich foods.

“The biggest issue is animal protein,” Samsul said.

He added that Kemendes PDT is preparing a food-system development programme with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The programme will include supporting communities in developing agricultural activities and sources of animal protein.

Samsul said developing these food sources must be accompanied by guidance and support, enabling communities to build skills and manage the resources available in their surroundings.