New Health Minister Ready to Combat Stunting

Minister of Health Terawan Agusputranto answers reporters questions’ after attending the Plenary Cabinet Meeting at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (24/10). (Photo by: Rahmat/PR).

Newly-elected Indonesian Minister of Health Terawan Agusputranto has expressed optimism that the problem of stunting in Indonesian can be tackled immediately.

However, Terawan asked the public to give him more time since he will assume the position from the previous Minister of Health of the Working Cabinet Nila F. Moeloek starting Thursday afternoon (24/10).

“I will also ask my directors (in the Ministry) to explain the prevailing problems to me,” Terawan said after attending the Plenary Cabinet Meeting at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (24/10).

Furthermore, the Minister acknowledged that stunting is indeed a major problem that has to be handled by multiple ministries because of its complex nature. “We must coordinate to the bottom level and the (stunting) data must be checked properly,” the Minister said, adding that this measure needs to be taken to reduce stunting rate.

“I will work hard and I always be committed to giving benefits (for the people),” he said. (AIT/RAH/ES)

Translated by: Galuh Wicaksono
Edited by: Muhammad Ersan Pamungkas