Local focus on balanced diets using familiar foods and regular growth monitoring in Tangerang contributes to a significant reduction in stunting, exemplifying effective community-led health initiatives.
Building better nutrition habits at home is one of the most effective ways to help prevent stunting in children, according to Een Resita, a nutritionist at Tanah Tinggi community health centre in Tangerang. She said parents do not need expensive ingredients to provide a balanced diet, but they do need to pay closer attention to what children eat and how they grow.
Resita pointed to familiar local foods such as rice, eggs and vegetables as practical options that can support a child’s development when prepared properly. Her advice fits with World Health Organisation guidance, which says good nutrition is central to healthy growth and development, particularly in the first 1,000 days of life, from conception to a child’s second birthday.
Health experts also stress that nutrition is not only about meals, but about tracking growth over time. Regular checks of weight, height and overall physical condition can help parents and health workers spot problems early and act before undernutrition becomes more serious. UNICEF says poor nutrition in early childhood can affect learning, immunity and long-term health, while the WHO links healthy growth monitoring to better physical, mental and intellectual development.
Tangerang city health officials say that approach is already part of their public health strategy. Dini Anggaraeni, head of the city health office, said the local administration has strengthened family support, community health posts and interventions during the first 1,000 days of life. She said the city had reduced its stunting prevalence to 5.3% by May 2026, while posyandu volunteers are being mobilised to visit homes, detect problems early and provide education. “Fokus kesehatan saat ini telah bergeser, yakni mencegah lebih baik daripada mengobati. Melalui penguatan kompetensi ini, kader diharapkan bisa mendeteksi dini sekaligus mengedukasi warga secara optimal,” Anggaraeni said.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
