President Jokowi: Premarital Preparation Important to Prevent Stunting

President Jokowi, accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy, Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, and Head of the BKKBN Hasto Wardoyo, opens the National Working Meeting for Family Development, Population, Family Planning and Accelerated Stunting Reduction, Wednesday (01/25) in Jakarta. (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Jay)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has reiterated the importance of physical and mental readiness before marriage to prevent stunting in children.

The President delivered the statement in response to questions from journalists regarding the high rate of early marriage in a number of regions in Indonesia.

“The problem of stunting has to do with preparation during pre-pregnancy and pregnancy period. The preparation is imperative. Regarding marriage, we must ensure that those who want to get married are physically and mentally ready,” the President said.

The President also emphasized the importance of maintaining health during pre-pregnancy and pregnancy period.

“Before getting married, health problems like anemia or red blood cells deficiency should be cured. During pregnancy, if the problem is not resolved, the child will have stunting. Resolving the problem after childbirth is more difficult. It will be easier to resolve the problems during pregnancy,” the President remarked. (MAY/UN) (RI/MUR)