PORTALJABAR, DISTRICT. GARUT - Audit results of stunting cases in Garut Regency, on average, are caused by the same thing, namely chronic malnutrition, families not having social security, houses unfit for habitation, poor sanitation, and economic inability to meet the nutritional needs of a child.

Head of the Child Protection Division of the Population Control Service, Family Planning, Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (DPPKBPPPA) Garut Regency, Budi Kusmawan, revealed this at the 2023 Cycle II Stunting Case Audit Dissemination event, which was held in the DPPKBPPPA Hall, Thursday (28/12/2023 ).

"If we look at the problems that occur, almost everything in Garut Regency is like that, we have carried out audit activities 4 times, the causes of stunting are indeed more varied," he said.

Budi emphasized that the four audits that had been carried out showed similar causes, including lack of social security, inadequate housing conditions, poor sanitation and poverty.

To overcome this, various programs have been launched, including the repair of Uninhabitable Houses (Rutilahu) which was rolled out by the Garut District Government at the initiation of the Regent of Garut, Rudy Gunawan, and the Deputy Regent, dr. Helmi Budiman and business capital assistance by the Garut Regency National Zakat Charity Agency (BAZNAS) for families at risk of stunting since 2022, and the distribution of Supplementary Feeding (PMT) have had a significant impact on reducing stunting cases in Garut Regency.

"Hopefully, by providing this business capital assistance, economically disadvantaged families will be empowered with business capital, so they can fulfill their nutritional needs, both animal and vegetable," he said.

Garut Regional Government, under the leadership of Regent Rudy Gunawan and Deputy Regent Dr. Helmi Budiman, has made a significant contribution to reducing stunting cases through these programs. Budi hopes that, with economic empowerment, underprivileged families can meet their nutritional needs.

The implementation of this audit is based on Presidential Regulation Number 72 of 2021 concerning the Acceleration of Reducing Stunting and BKKBN Regulation Number 12 of 2021. This effort is part of the National Action Plan for the Acceleration of Reducing Stunting Rates in Indonesia 2021-2024, aimed at finding causes, both direct and indirect. directly related to the occurrence of stunting cases in an area.

According to Budi, the Garut Regency Stunting Reduction Acceleration Team (TPPS) has carried out 4 stunting audits, where in 2022 the first semester will be carried out in Sindangratu Village, Wanaraja District, while the second semester will be in Cigedug District, while in 2023 the first semester will be held in Surabaya Village, Limbangan District, while the second semester was in Margalaksana Village, Cilawu District.

Budi emphasized that convergence efforts are important to be carried out by all stakeholders, because this stunting case is not only the responsibility of the Health Service or the PPKBPPPA service, but is the responsibility of all parties.

"Earlier it was stated that the health service only contributes 30% regarding (intervention) in stunting cases and prevention of new stunting, 70% of which is the responsibility of various cross-sectors," he said.

The responsibility in question, he added, is related to the environment, housing, social assistance, as well as counseling related to parenting styles.

Sub-Coordinator for Family Health and Nutrition at the Garut District Health Service, Sri Prihatin, revealed that during implementing the stunting intervention in Garut District, many obstacles were found, but with the convergence it is hoped that all parties can work together and prevent stunting cases in Garut District from increasing again. . Sri also believes that with cross-sector collaboration, the stunting rate in Garut Regency can fall according to the national target of below 14% by 2024.

"God willing, we are very optimistic, with the participation of all parties in this stunting convergence, God willing, we can all reduce stunting cases in Garut Regency, and also prevent the occurrence or optimize for zero new stunting," he said.

The 2023 Stunting Case Audit Dissemination Implementation Cycle II was officially opened by the Secretary of the Garut Regency DPPKBPPPA, Rahmat Wibawa, including the Head of Cilawu Subdistrict, the Head of Margalaksana Village, and representatives of the Regional Working Unit (SKPD). (rdp*)