Stunting has emerged as a significant national issue, as it poses a substantial barrier to achieving the objectives associated with the 2045 Golden Generation. In alignment with the principle of “Prospering with the Nation,” Astra Agro is endeavoring to assist the government in actualizing its vision of developing high-quality and competitive Indonesian youth.

It is important to note that geographical factors frequently hinder the equitable provision of health services to communities. Furthermore, socialization efforts, health facilities, infrastructure, and qualified professionals remain limited in those areas.

Stunting adversely affects not only children’s physical height but also their cognitive development, which can subsequently impact their academic performance and overall quality of life in the future.

It is imperative to prioritize focused attention and actionable measures to effectively address stunting in rural areas. Astra Agro is dedicated to achieving the vision of a Golden Generation by 2045, actively engaging in regular posyandu (integrated service post) activities as part of its initiatives to provide health services and mitigate stunting within local communities.

This undertaking is rooted in the posyandu empowerment program established around Astra Agro’s subsidiaries. The posyandu health facilities are accessible not only to employees and their families but also to the surrounding local community. The organization fortifies this initiative by supplying supplementary food and vitamins to ensure sufficient nutritional intake.

Furthermore, Astra Agro implements a long-term strategy through the empowerment of posyandu cadres, who are local volunteers dedicated to supporting the execution of health programs within their communities. By the year 2024, a total of 2,080 posyandu cadres will have received training, undergone intensive mentorship, and collaborated with health workers from the Puskesmas.

Eradicating Stunting in the Rural Areas of Indonesia

Numerous local community groups residing in proximity to the company receive significant support from its facilities and infrastructure. Notably, the Orang Rimba, also referred to as Suku Anak Dalam (SAD) in the Jambi region, along with residents of Towiora and Tinauka villages in Donggala Regency, Central Sulawesi, are beneficiaries of the stunting prevention program. In the second quarter of 2024, Posyandu services successfully reached 105 toddlers and 12 pregnant women from the SAD group, concentrating on the monitoring of growth, development, and nutritional adequacy.

A doctor conducts routine health checks on children from the Suku Anak Dalam tribe

In order to enhance the efficacy of the Posyandu program, the company undertook the empowerment of 30 Posyandu cadres in 2024, providing them with incentives and training in collaboration with the local Puskesmas (community health center). Within Towiora and Tinauka villages, the Posyandu initiative was executed through the distribution of supplementary food and health assessments for 38 pregnant women, 146 toddlers, and 82 elderly individuals, across five Posyandu centers—comprising one unit in Towiora Village and four units in Tinauka Village.

Stunting Prevention Through External Collaboration

A puppet show at Posyandu Dalesa in Central Kalimantan

The company collaborates with local communities to implement stunting prevention programs. One such initiative involves toddler classes designed to stimulate children’s cognitive and motor development, conducted at Posyandu Dalesa in Pandu Sanjaya Village, Pangkalan Lada District, West Kotawaringin Regency (Kobar), Central Kalimantan.

During these classes, talking puppets captivated the toddlers, bringing vibrant fairy tales to life. This activity serves not only as entertainment but also as part of Astra Agro’s dedicated efforts to enhance Posyandu’s role in addressing stunting and promoting children’s growth.

“Stunting is not solely a consequence of malnutrition; it also significantly impacts the cognitive and motor development of children. It is imperative that we address this issue collectively, as the future of our nation, referred to as the Golden Generation of 2045, hinges on our current efforts,” stated Febriansyah, Community Development Manager at Astra Agro Area Central Kalimantan.

At Posyandu Dalesa, Astra Agro is committed to enhancing nutritional outcomes through the provision of supplementary food (PMT) while simultaneously emphasizing the critical aspect of sensory and motor stimulation, which is often overlooked. According to Febriansyah, Posyandu, functioning as a venue for health assessments, must adopt a more proactive role in promoting the growth and development of children by delivering stimuli that enhance their capacity to interact with their environment.

Recently, during a scheduled class session, two representatives from the Sayang Anak Kobar Community of Kampung Dongeng, Asmi and Titi, effectively engaged the attention of the children present. They employed colorful puppets to introduce various types of animals. The narratives delivered were both impactful and interactive, promoting active involvement among the children and facilitating their cognitive and motor skill development.

This program represents one of Astra Agro’s ongoing initiatives to support children’s health. Since 2022, the company, active in the palm oil industry, has committed to advancing sustainability through its Sustainability Aspirations program. This initiative encompasses not only environmental protection but also aims to make a significant contribution toward creating a better future for subsequent generations.

It is anticipated that this movement will proliferate throughout Indonesia, contributing to the reduction of stunting rates and fostering the development of a healthy, intelligent generation prepared to tackle future challenges.

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