Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the National Working Meeting on Family Development, Population, and Family Planning (Banggakencana) Program and Accelerated Stunting Reduction, at BKKBN Auditorium, Jakarta, January 25, 2023

Journalist

Good morning, sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Good morning.

About stunting?

Journalist

Right, sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

We are glad that the stunting handling in the last eight years has resulted in a very significant reduction [in stunting rate], from 37 percent to 21.6 [percent] in 2022. Our target for next year, 2024, is that the rate must decrease to 14 percent. The WHO standard is 20 percent. Our target is 14 percent.

Journalist

Regarding the plan for Indonesia’s integrated data (Satu Data Indonesia), how is it integrated with the handling of stunting?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Once we have clear and integrated data, it will be easier for us to solve the problem because the goals are clear and the targets are clear, so that all aspects are consolidated and all measures are integrated, so it’s easier for us to solve problems. The problem of stunting is not only a matter of supplementary food or nutrition, but also a matter of the environment, clean water, healthy houses and toilet sanitation. That is the problem. The handling does not only depend on one ministry/agency or one sector. It should be integrated.

Journalist

You have previously said that supplementary food for children should not be biscuits, but eggs, fish or chicken. How is the implementation on the ground? Has it been carried out? How is the progress? Because a lot of stakeholders provide biscuits.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It happens because they seek the easiest way. They have budget, and the easiest procedure is procurement. The easiest procurement is to provide biscuit, but it is ineffective. [The children] need protein, but how come they get biscuits, or even coffee milk in sachets.

Journalist

Is there any specific target for all integrated health services (posyandu) to provide eggs or fish?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

We have set the target, but not everything is achieved. We should improve our measures to achieve the target.

Journalist

There is a trend in requests for early marriage dispensation in the island of Java. What do you think, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

The problem of stunting is something to do with preparation during the 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. Before getting married, health problems like anemia or red blood cell deficiency should be cured. During pregnancy, if the problem is not resolved, the children will have stunting. Resolving the problem after childbirth is more difficult. It will be easier to solve problems during pregnancy.

Journalist

Thank you, sir.

(RI/MUR)