Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia During the Inspection at Sarimulyo Integrated Healthcare Center (Posyandu), Seluma Regency, Bengkulu Province, July 21, 2023

Today, I came to Bengkulu province’s Seluma regency to ensure that our children and toddlers are all healthy. On the National Children’s Day, we want to ensure that the stunting rate continues to lower every year. Although it cannot be completely eradicated, at least the rate is lower. And I am glad that in Seluma regency, the rate lowers to four percent, which is good. And, regularly, every month, [the children] get health check at posyandu. Their weight, what else? Their height, what else? Their head diameter, and so on. Their hand diameter, arm diameter, and all. I think it is to ensure that all children are healthy, have bright future, and become excellent human resources.

Journalist

Any extra budget for tackling stunting, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Please ask the regents and the mayors. However, since we have targeted to reach 14 percent (of the rate) by 2024, under 14 percent, so, every year the Central (Government) raises the budget because that is what we aim for.

Journalist

Any reward and punishment for the regional governments that have not meet the target yet?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

We check it every two weeks. We check it every month to see which one has high rate and which one has low rate. We always do the controlling for stunting or inflation. We check everything.

Journalist

On poverty, does it have anything to do with stunting, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It has nothing to do with it. Children of rich families may also suffer from stunting because their parents may be busy and do not pay attention to the children’s nutrition. Thank you, thank you.

(AW/EP)