Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Veronica Tan, explained efforts to prevent stunting must begin since pregnancy phase by ensuring maternal health and adequate nutrition.
“Talking about stunting, we have to start from the mother. When a woman pregnant, what we need to prepare is not only the mother’s health, but also the child’s future. Therefore, mothers must receive support, so that both they and their babies remain healthy,” Veronica Tan said at the “Merdeka Stunting” event in Jakarta on Thursday.
Responsibility for maternal health cannot be placed solely on women, she added, but must also involve fathers as husbands and other close family members.
“The responsibility in maintaining the health of mothers and children cannot be placed on women alone. Fathers and families need to be involved from pregnancy checkups, nutritional needs, and childbirth preparations to childcare,” she said.
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The government has set a target of reducing the prevalence of stunting to 14.2 percent by 2029. Therefore, paying attention to pregnant women is an important step toward preparing a healthy generation of Indonesians.
“Pregnancy is experienced by women, but the health of mothers and children is a shared responsibility. Supporting pregnant women is an important step in promoting children’s growth and development, as well as preparing a healthy Indonesian generation. This is where the role and presence of fathers are very important,” she said.
In improving the family nutrition, the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection is promoting the use of locally sourced food through Women’s Local Food Garden programme, aimed at optimising local food potential while creating economic opportunities.
“Women can make use of what is available in their surroundings. There are food crops, medicinal plants, spices, coffee, nutmeg, bamboo and various other commodities. Those potential can support family food security while also serving as a source of income,” Veronica Tan said.
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Translator: Anita, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
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