Jakarta (ANTARA) – The National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) has begun mobilizing the role of santri, or students of Islamic boarding schools, through the Population Alert Santri Movement Program to accelerate efforts to reduce stunting.
“The movement will provide a forum for santri to receive and disseminate education regarding stunting reduction, started from getting married at the ideal age,” Head of West Java BKKBN, Wahidin, noted in a written statement received here, Wednesday.
Wahidin stated that the Population Alert Santri Movement is one of the efforts to increase population insight for students in Islamic boarding schools through young ustadz, or religious teachers, who have completed workshops and training by representatives of the West Java Province BKKBN.
The movement is also a form of cooperation with the West Java Religious Affairs Service, the Nadhlatul Ulam (NU) Regional Management, and the Indonesian Population Coalition of West Java Province to create a generation with high competitiveness.
All students, who are members of the movement, will disseminate information and education related to stunting with the Generation Planning Forum (Genre) at the BKKBN’s booth at the West Java Santri Expo and Festival at the Indonesian Da’wah Center Building in Bandung, West Java, on October 18-20, 2022.
Various information and education related to stunting prevention were disseminated through leaflets, media, various interesting videos, and interactions with visitors as well as games with prizes for merchandise from the BKKBN.
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Wahidin is optimistic that the Genre students and santri would play a role in assessing prospective brides by using the Elsimil application (electronic ready for marriage and pregnancy), increasing knowledge regarding the principles of balanced nutrition, and equipping with comprehensive parenting education.
“In future, these students will not only become influential people but also give birth and educate the next generation to be stunting-free and competitive,” he remarked.
West Java Deputy Governor Uu Ruzhanul Ulum stated that the BKKBN had encouraged young people to marry at the ideal age of 21 years for women and 25 years for men in an effort to make the best of their youth, with positive aspects before marriage.
This effort also aims to inspire other teenagers to compete in an effort to achieve the target of the 2045 demographic bonus, Ulum added.
According to the governor, the students should capitalize on the sound opportunity for stunting reduction, as a tangible proof of their involvement in the development of the nation in future.
“Of course, this cannot be separated from religious guidelines that have always been the foundation for behavior in everyday life and the ability to adapt to a dynamic world,” he stated. Related news: Public awareness about stunting still low: BKKBN headRelated news: Minister lauds Islamic boarding schools for efforts to handle COVID-19