Policy strategies to reduce the social impact of stunting during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to describe the policies of the West Java regional government to overcome stunting, the factors that cause stunting in West Java, and strategies that can be applied to overcome stunting in West Java. A qualitative approach and literature review were used as the research method. Data were gathered using interviews and from various relevant studies published between 2020 and 2022. West Java, Indonesia, was selected as the research location. Data analysis shows that, first, Indonesia remains committed to overcoming the stunting problem by mobilizing all assets or resources by forming a young family guidance group, integrated service post, community nutrition development, clean and healthy living behavior socialization and integrated service post empowerment, providing training to anti-stunting ambassadors. Second, the causative factor is the lack of parental awareness of the importance of nutritious food for children. Third, the strategy to overcome stunting is to make improvements in six dimensions, namely, education, nutrition, food, health, social protection, and housing.