Vice President Ma’ruf Amin believes the target to lower the prevalence of childhood stunting in Indonesia is quite ambitious, as it aims to decrease the rate by 13 percent by 2024.

“Currently, the prevalence of stunting in Indonesia was still recorded at around 27 percent. This means in order to achieve the target of 14 percent by 2024, we only have less than three years left. The target is quite ambitious,” Amin delivered the statement at the virtual opening of the 2021 National Stunting Forum on Tuesday.

Amin called for collective efforts from the central and regional governments as well as the public to tackle the challenge of reducing the prevalence of stunting.

“In the very short time left, this is a huge challenge. Nonetheless, we must face it together,” the vice president emphasized.

Hence, Amin urged all stakeholders, comprising relevant ministries, non-ministerial government institutions, and regional governments, to work harder in line with the commitment in order to fulfill the ambitious target.

“It is not without reason that commitment is the first pillar in the National Stunting Strategy. Strong commitment is very important to ensure that all the contributing actors are present,” he affirmed.

Amin highlighted that efforts to prioritize stunting reduction in regional development was one of the commitments in question. In addition, Amin pressed for better adherence to the commitment as a way to optimize coordination.

“This included a commitment to strengthen coordination, monitoring, and evaluation to ensure that the program runs well,” he affirmed.

The vice president reminded everyone of the criticality of cooperation to eradicate stunting, as the government could not singlehandedly achieve it.

“Efforts to reduce stunting necessitate the involvement of all stakeholders, including the regional governments, villages, urban villages, academics, media, private sector, non-governmental organizations, and development partners,” he affirmed.

Source: Antara News