UNAIR NEWS – The problem of Stunting (Impaired growth and development in children, ed) in Indonesia continue to be the spotlight in the community. Several media have reported that Indonesia was in the emergency phase of stunting. The chronic nutrition problem has actually received positive support from the government.
Evidently, based on data from 2013 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) stated that the number of Stunting patients reached 37.2%. Then in 2018, the number of stunting sufferers decreased from 6.4% to 30.8%.
Based on the data, we has not been able to maximize the eradication of stunting. Reflecting on WHO showed the number of new stunting patients could reach the safe limit if it was below 20% figure. From the data collected by Riskesdas in 2018, the number of stunting sufferers in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) region was still at 42.6%. In addition, NTT was an area that has been named as the dominant area of Stunting disease.
The urgency of stunting problem continued to haunts the community, including Indonesian Public Health Student Senate Association (ISMKMI). They witnessed government’s good performance in tackling stunting. In fact, students recognized and appreciated the government’s hard work. It’s just that they believe that so far the participation of academics in overcoming stunting is still low.
In ISMKMI Audience held on mid-February at Indonesian Ministry of Health and Presidential Staff Office, students gave solution in front of Minister of Health, Prof. Dr. dr. Nila Djuwita Faried Anfasa Moeloek, SpM and Head of Indonesian House of Representatives Commission IX Dede Yusuf Macan Effendi, ST. Some of student representatives came from well-known universities, such as UNAIR, UNHAS, UI, UNDIP, UMJ, and many more.
“We were happy to hear a good news after the event. Because the program that we have compiled for months has been accepted by Indonesian Ministry of Health and Presidential Staff Office.” explained Hamzah Yasfi Akbar Solihin, participant in ISMKMI Audience, a representative from UNAIR.
Carried out Gotong Royong Program to overcome stunting (Gorasting), students focussed on pregnant women. Each student will accompany 1 target of 1000 First Days of Life (HPK) for pregnant women and babies under the age of 2 (Baduta).
“The key is to be smart in voicing solutions for the problems. In solving a health problem, it certainly cannot be solved easily.” added Hamzah.
Hamzah Yasfi in the interview session with UNAIR NEWS team said that the government basically does not only deal with one aspect of the problem. In fact, Indonesia has many problems in various fields. Thus, students idea can take part in overcoming stunting problem.
The hope is stunting sufferers number can decrease significantly. Student contributions can at least ease the burden of government in overcoming stunting problem. Students can also fulfill the message of President Joko Widodo to reduce the problem.
Author: Tunjung Senja Widuri
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
