Good Practices for Reducing Stunting in Sumedang Regency

Abstract

Referring to the 2022 Indonesian Nutrition Status Study (SSGI) data, several regions have succeeded in reducing the prevalence of stunting. Sumedang Regency, West Java is one of the areas that fall into this category. Based on SSGI data for 2022, Sumedang Regency has reduced stunting from 32.2 % in 2018 to 27.6 % in 2022. In this achievement, of course, there is a strategy and cooperation of all parties so that the area can significantly reduce stunting rates. Sumedang Regency has implemented an Electronic-Based Government System (SPBE) in carrying out its government activities. This system supports targets that must be achieved in various fields, one of which is the health sector, namely reducing the stunting rate. Based on the results of fieldwork conducted by the BRIN team, this system is very supportive of efforts at the Regency level and even down to the village level in monitoring the prevalence of stunting. However, this system is a tool that is meaningless if it is not accompanied by leadership commitment and cooperation of all parties in achieving the stunting reduction target. Therefore, it is important to carry out multi-sectoral cooperation in efforts to reduce the prevalence of stunting. The stunting reduction efforts carried out by Sumedang Regency and declared successful are a combination of various factors. The existence of SPBE, the government's commitment, as well as the cooperation of all parties are the keys to achieving a reduction in the prevalence of stunting. The recommendation proposed as a policy consideration is if SPBE is to be implemented in all districts/cities throughout Indonesia whose stunting is below the national reduction target. To reduce stunting sustainably, the following prerequisites are needed: 1) Availability of adequate internet access and digital technology; 2) Transparency and Accountability; 3) Data protection and privacy; and 4) Leadership and Resources.